Organisations condemn death threat against Dr. Rosemary Dzüvichü

DIMAPUR — Various organisations and unions have condemned the death threat and derogatory remarks directed at Dr. Rosemary Dzüvichü, advisor to the Naga Mothers' Association, by one WJ Longkumer in a Facebook post on September 23.

RMA: The Rengma Mothers Association (RMA) stated that the derogatory and demeaning language used in the post is a direct assault on the dignity of women, and the death threat issued is a serious criminal act that cannot be ignored. Extending full support of Dzuvichü, the association demanded protection and safety for all women leaders who are fearlessly advocating for justice and equality. It also called for a “united stand from all right-thinking citizens, organisations, and church bodies to condemn this culture of hate and violence in the strongest terms.”

LSM: The Lirmen Senso Mungdang (LSM) stated that such irresponsible and blatant threats to the life and dignity of a woman is intolerable in a civilized society. The LSM demanded the law enforcing agency to thoroughly investigate the matter seriously and to ensure that the law takes its full course of action without any delay. “The Lirmen Senso Mungdang extents support to Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu and her family during this difficult time,” it stated.

ENSA: The Eastern Naga Students' Association (ENSA) asserted that in today's society, there can be no space or justification for issuing death threats or using hateful, vulgar, and demeaning language, particularly against women. “Such a post not only reflects extreme violence and gender-based hatred but also undermines the very values of dignity, respect, and justice that are the foundation of a civilised society,” the association stated. “ENSA demands swift and decisive action by the law enforcement authorities against the individual responsible for this appalling post. We also urge every citizen to reject the use of violent language, threats, and derogatory remarks, and instead promote a culture of respectful dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.”

Also read: Organisations extend solidarity to Rosemary Dzüvichü

LMK: The Lhisemiapfü Mechü Krotho (LMK) of Kohima village termed the death threat against Dr. Dzüvichü, who has been spearheading the cause of Naga women and meticulously working for the uplift of society, as morally unacceptable and to be condemned by all sections of society without any reservation, “as Nagas have always been known for upholding respect and dignity for women.” The LMK urged the competent authority and law enforcement agency to take immediate and stringent action against the accused under the full extent of the IPC and IT Act.

NPWF: Condemning the incident, the National People's Women Front (NPWF) stated that such threat and malicious utterances are not only an attack on Dr. Dziivichu’s dignity and personal safety but also an affront to the principles of democracy, free speech and women's participation in public life. “We urge the authorities to take immediate action against those responsible and ensure her protection. We also call upon civil societies, community leaders and every right thinking citizens to send united in rejecting hate, intimidation and violence in all forms,” the NPWF stated.

NWU: The Naga Women's Union (NWU), Manipur, stated that such threat is a grave affront not only to her life, but also to the ethical values and chastity of all women. The union also stated that the “patriarchal structure and social system that undermine women is not an appropriate tool for the current society anymore.” The NWU also regretted that the administrators of the 'Unified Naga Land for Christ' media post failed to prioritise screening content that breaches regulations, leading to the publication of inappropriate material.

ALTC:  Condemning the threat against Dr. Dzuvichu, the Ao Lanur Telongjem Chümoukedima (ALTC) stated that ‘such acts of intimidation and hate speech are deeply disturbing and strike at the core values of dignity, safety, and respect in our society.” Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu has been a steadfast advocate for women’s rights and for ensuring equal political participation for women in Nagaland. The misogynistic targeting and verbal abuse directed at her are not only unacceptable but also a grave attempt to silence the voices of women who courageously stand for justice and equality.”