Thousands rally in Kohima as NAWO demands justice for attempted rape and murder of a mother in Botsa.
KOHIMA — Condemning the attempted rape and murder of a mother of four at Botsa village, allegedly by 19-year-old Khrietuolie Kense, the Northern Angami Women Organisation (NAWO) held a protest rally at Razhu Point, Kohima, on Saturday.
The organisation also submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of Kohima, demanding that the accused not be granted bail, warning that failure to act could lead to "more disastrous" public consequences.
Thousands of women, men, and youth took to the streets to participate in the rally, voicing their outrage and solidarity with the victim.
In the memorandum, NAWO recounted the incident, which occurred on July 16, stating that the accused attempted to rape and murder the woman while she was returning home from the fields.
Also read: Botsa Village Council condemns alleged attempted rape and murder
Armed with a knife, Kense allegedly assaulted the victim with clear intent to sexually violate and kill her. The woman sustained serious injuries, with cuts to her arms, neck, and behind her ear.
Despite the brutal attack, the victim mustered the strength to fight back and scream for help. Fortunately, passersby heard her cries and rushed to her aid, though the accused had fled by then.
He was later apprehended by local youth while attempting to escape and was handed over to the authorities.
The memorandum stated that the accused admitted to having the intention to rape and murder. “Such a person, no matter how much protection he is entitled to under the law, does not deserve a place in our society,” it read.
NAWO stressed that such heinous crimes must not be tolerated under any circumstances. They warned that delay or negligence in dealing with such cases only emboldens perpetrators and erodes public faith in the justice system.
The organisation urged for a foolproof investigation and offered full support to law enforcement to ensure justice is delivered.
NAWO further demanded that the accused be denied bail and that the police use all legal powers to ensure his continued detention. They also called for the safety and protection of the victim and her family. “The accused should be convicted and punished as per the relevant sections of law,” the letter asserted.
Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu, Advisor to the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA), also condemned the crime, saying that while Naga culture has traditionally respected women, society has now reached a point where such respect is vanishing.
“It is time for mothers to teach their sons and children to love and respect women,” she said, noting that Nagaland has witnessed some of the worst cases of rape and gender-based violence, including the infamous Pimla case and instances of domestic homicide.
Prof. Dzuvichu questioned the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and the government, including the governor, in ensuring justice for women who have been violated. She demanded that no bail be granted to the accused, who has brought shame upon his family, clan, village, and the Nagas as a whole.
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NAWO president Kedisenuo Keditsu echoed these sentiments, stating that the organisation expected the government to deliver justice. She declared that one of their demands is that no lawyer should represent the accused and reiterated that he must not be granted bail.
“If our demands are not accepted, the next course of action will be taken by our youth, which will be more disastrous. Today the mothers are here, but if tomorrow the youth step in, there will be no stopping them,” she warned, adding that the accused deserves capital punishment.
Keditsu also shared that the organisation has learned that the accused may be a repeat offender. However, due to the lack of willing testimonies from other alleged victims, they cannot officially confirm this. “Still, we will do our best to prove he is a repeat offender,” she said.
Messages of condemnation were also delivered by Northern Angami Public Organisation (NAPO) president Keduo Zumu, Angami Women Organisation representative Neithono Sothu, Botsa Village Council chairman Kehouzelie Rio, and Northern Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO) president Khriesazo Liezietsu.
All of them echoed the demand for justice and warned that if the government failed to act, the community would seek justice under customary laws.