NSCN-R announces INR 1 lakh aid for a 14-year-old survivor and demands strict action in child sexual assault cases.
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Women’s wing warns of ‘direct action’ if minor assault accused are granted bail
DIMAPUR — Expressing serious concern over the increasing incidents of sexual assault against minor children in Nagaland, the Akato Chophi-led NSCN (R) on Sunday called for stringent action against perpetrators, demanded that those accused in such cases should not be granted bail, and announced financial assistance of INR 1 lakh for the rehabilitation of a 14-year-old sexual assault survivor.
Addressing a press conference at Hoito Vllage, NSCN (R) president Akato Chophi said that cases of sexual assault against minors had become increasingly frequent in Nagaland, describing the trend as a social disease that was alien to traditional Naga society.
Stating that Nagaland was once regarded as one of the safest states in India, Chophi said it was gradually becoming an unsafe place for women and children, adding that such a trend could not be allowed to continue.
He said that the group had initially refrained from making any public statement as it wanted to give the police sufficient time to carry out their investigation.
Chophi appreciated the commissioner of police, Dimapur, and the investigating team for their prompt action in arresting the accused.
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However, he warned that if the accused attempted to secure bail or evade justice, the organisation would intervene. He added that if any accused persons fled outside the state's jurisdiction, the group was prepared to announce a cash reward for information leading to their apprehension.
He further announced that the organisation was prepared to offer a cash reward to any individual, police personnel, civil society organisation or member of the public who provides credible information leading to the arrest of persons accused in sexual assault cases, particularly those attempting to evade justice.
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As part of the victim's rehabilitation, Chophi announced financial assistance of INR 1 lakh, which would be routed through the Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) to ensure that it reached the victim's family responsibly.
He also appealed to organisations and members of the public to extend support towards the victim's recovery.
Responding to a media query on the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl in Niuland district, in which the accused has reportedly been arrested, Chophi said the organisation was monitoring the case closely.
He said that the group was currently focused on the case involving the 14-year-old survivor but would also closely follow the Niuland case and other similar incidents, adding that it was gathering information and would take appropriate steps wherever necessary.
Deputy Kilonser of the Women and Child Welfare Ministry Christina Lotha also expressed deep concern over the alleged rape of the 14-year-old girl, saying the survivor and her family were undergoing immense emotional trauma.
Describing the survivor as "our own daughter and sister", she appealed to citizens, women's organisations and civil society groups to stand in solidarity with the family and ensure that justice was delivered.
She further asserted that the organisation would oppose any attempt to grant bail to the accused, maintaining that those accused in such cases should not be granted bail under any circumstances.
"If law enforcement agencies fail to take strict action and the accused are granted bail, our women's wing will be compelled to take direct action," she said.
Deputy Kilonser of the Women and Child Welfare Ministry Among Ao also condemned the incident, stating that mothers and sisters across society could not remain silent while the life of a young child had been shattered.
She urged the authorities to ensure that there was no leniency towards the accused and that the law was enforced strictly.