Multiple civil society, women, and student organisations in Nagaland have condemned the alleged sexual assault of a minor in Dimapur.
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DIMAPUR — Multiple organisations have condemned the alleged sexual assault and abuse of a minor girl in Dimapur by her guardian and his alleged associates. The organisations have demanded a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation to ensure justice is delivered.
The All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU) expressed deep concern and condemned the disturbing allegations of sexual and physical abuse.
The union appealed to law enforcement agencies and authorities to conduct a fair, transparent, and time-bound investigation to ensure justice is delivered.
The Ao Students' Union Dimapur (ASUD), in a statement, stated that such acts, if established, constitute a grave violation of human rights and personal dignity. ASUD stressed the importance of due process and urged the public to allow the legal process to proceed without interference, while refraining from disseminating unverified information.
The Chang Students' Union Chümoukedima, in a statement, expressed solidarity with the victim and her family, extending support to the Chang Union Dimapur (CUD).
Meanwhile, the National People's Youth Front (NPYF), the youth wing of the National People's Party (NPP), called for a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation and prompt prosecution under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other applicable sections of the law.
The front also urged safeguarding the victim's identity and well-being.
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The Sangdak Wedoshi Thangjam (Sangdak Students' Union), in a statement, expressed shock over the reported assault of the minor student, demanding a thorough investigation to ensure the accused is held accountable.
Among the women's organisations, the Angami Women Organisation (AWO), through a statement, stated that crimes against children are among the gravest offences. The organisation urged investigating authorities to conduct a swift probe and asserted that any attempt to obstruct or influence the course of justice must be firmly resisted.
The Nagaland Pradesh Mahila Congress (NPMC) also expressed sympathy and solidarity with the survivor, calling upon community leaders, churches, and educational institutions to work collectively to create a safer environment for children.
The Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) condemned the alleged sexual assault and stated that it expects the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fair probe and asserted that the accused, booked under the POCSO Act, must be dealt with strictly without special consideration.
The organisation added that it would closely monitor the progress of the investigation.
ENWO also reminded Eastern Naga parents that children should not be sent away to work as domestic helpers. It stated children may only reside outside their homes for educational purposes in compliance with ENWO guidelines, and cautioned homeowners against employing Eastern Naga children as domestic helpers.
The organisation flagged a troubling pattern where children sent away for schooling end up performing domestic work and are denied education.
The ENWO Dimapur Unit appealed to law enforcement to conduct a swift and impartial investigation under the POCSO Act.
The Changsao Thangjam Setshang (Chang Women Organisation) appealed for a swift and transparent investigation under the POCSO Act, pledging unflinching support to the family. The Chümoukedima Chang Saoshuong Thangjam, in a statement, expressed solidarity with the aggrieved family and the Chang Union Dimapur, demanding that the accused remain booked under strict non-bailable provisions.
The Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam of Noklak urged authorities to ensure the child's privacy and safety and called upon civil society to strengthen child protection mechanisms.
The Phomla Hoichem appealed to law enforcement for a fair and transparent investigation. It urged organisational leaders and citizens to rise above personal, tribal, or sectional interests to collectively stand against sexual violence.
The Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) also urged the concerned authorities to leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice under the POCSO Act.
The Akehta Sangtamlarü Thsingmüjang (AST) noted that media disclosures indicated a pattern of repeated, premeditated abuse allegedly perpetrated by a network of associates. The organisation placed four demands before the authorities: treating the case as an organised criminal conspiracy, the urgent arrest of all accomplices, denial of bail to Jamir and his accomplices at every stage, and maximum sentencing under the POCSO Act. It also appealed to all agencies and the public to protect the identity and privacy of the minor victim.
The Sangtamlarü Thsingmüjang Dimapur, in a statement, requested that the accused be denied bail, the case be expedited, and the perpetrator face the harshest penalties under the POCSO Act.
The Dimapur Sümi Council expressed profound outrage over the systemic abuse that was reportedly ongoing since last year by the victim's guardian.
The council demanded immediate, comprehensive medical, psychological, and educational support for the victim and called for an uncompromising investigation to seek maximum allowable penalties.