Organisations condemn alleged case of assault in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), the Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF), and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) Nagaland have condemned the recent alleged case of assault of a minor by a shopkeeper in Dimapur.

DCCI: In a condemnation note, DCCI said that it is extremely shocked by the case and warned the businessmen to be careful and commit themselves to a customer-friendly market.

It also applauded the police for their prompt action in arresting the accused and expressed gratitude to the GB and the New Market Business Owners' Association for their role in maintaining peace and tranquillity.

DCCI also expressed solidarity with the victim and her family and urged the law enforcement agencies to give a befitting punishment to the culprit as per the law.

Also read: 10-year-old girl allegedly sexually assaulted by shopkeeper in Dimapur’s New Market

WSYF: WSYF, in a similar note, demanded fast-track prosecution and maximum punishment for the perpetrator under relevant child protection and sexual assault laws.

It also called for the immediate suspension of his trade licence, residence certificate, and all affiliations with the business community, as well as irrevocable expulsion from Nagaland and a total prohibition of his presence or activities in any form on Naga soil.

The organisation maintained that any form of evil or injustice within society will not be tolerated, and such actions will be met with an immediate and decisive response.

It went on to say that failure to implement the above principles will provoke strong opposition from the youth body, and any individual or entity found culpable will be regarded as acting outside the bounds of societal values and will be treated as a 'non-existent ghost entity'—a total rejection by the community.

Read more: Dimapur Sümi Council, Western Sumi Students’ Union condemn alleged sexual assault on juvenile

“In such cases, WSYF will not hesitate to take its own course of action as deemed most appropriate to uphold justice and protect societal values,” it said.

IAP Nagaland: IAP Nagaland expressed concern over the rise in sexual abuse against children in the state.

It said in a statement that according to the Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, there has been a surge in reported cases, with 23 incidents registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2023 alone. Shockingly, 18 of these cases involved children assaulted by individuals known to them.

Stating that the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, being a body that advocates the well-being and safety of children, would like to urge the concerned authorities to take stringent action against the perpetrators and take appropriate steps to prevent such incidents in the future.