The recent surge in sexual assault cases has shaken the state’s conscience, shattering the widely held belief that Nagaland is a safe haven for women.
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The recent surge in sexual assault cases has shaken the state’s conscience, shattering the widely held belief that Nagaland is a safe haven for women, which is supported by official government data characterised by consistent low crime rate against women. A society that prides itself on a culture of respect for women's dignity has suddenly found itself in a situation that challenges its moral compass. It took a series of rape cases to evoke unprecedented public anger, shame, insecurity and distrust. There is a dawning realisation that women and children, from children to senior citizens, are not as safe as once believed, and that there could be many monsters in sheep’s clothing lurking within the community. The recent cases have exposed a clear disturbing pattern: women and children are vulnerable to sexual assault, harassment and discrimination. In the majority of these cases, the perpetrators are known to the victims; they are individuals in positions of trust such as guardians, employers, church leaders, law enforcers, and politicians. When those who are expected to protect the dignity and rights of the vulnerable perpetrate crimes, it not only causes irreparable physically, mentally and emotionally harm to the victims but also erodes public trust and morale. These recent incidents have brought shame upon the state and tarnished its image as one of the safest places for women in the country. They also substantiate claims made by activists and officials that the actual number of crimes against women in the state may be higher than reported. They argue that several factors, such as social stigma, victim-blaming, out-of-court settlements, Naga customary law (which is ill-equipped to deal with criminal cases), a lack of robust social support systems, and a snail-paced justice delivery system, could make victims hesitant to file a complaint.
One possible reason behind the spurt in the recent reported rape cases could be extensive awareness campaigns about the importance of reporting sexual assault and gender-based violence, improved access to helplines, and growing trust in laws like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. To encourage victims of sexual abuse to come forward, the authorities should ensure speedy investigation, trial, and justice delivery. Perpetrators, whether holding high positions in public office or churches, should be held accountable for their crimes. For crime has no face, race, gender, tribe, or religion. Selective justice, disparagement, and condemnation will only embolden perpetrators to commit more crimes.