BJP Mahila Morcha Nagaland president Tsachola Rothrong along with NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar in New Delhi on June 2.
Dimapur, June 3 (MExN): The BJP Mahila Morcha, Nagaland, has urged the National Commission for Women (NCW) to take suo motu cognisance of the alleged repeated sexual assault and prolonged abuse of a 14-year-old girl in Dimapur and constitute an inquiry committee to monitor the investigation and trial.
In a representation submitted to the NCW chairperson on June 2, the organisation strongly condemned the alleged abuse, saying the incident had shocked public conscience and triggered widespread outrage across Nagaland.
According to the memorandum, the victim was placed under the guardianship of the primary accused, O Watimeren Jamir, for educational purposes and had been residing at his Lengrijan residence for nearly two years. Jamir, a former president of the All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU), former general secretary of the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and a practising advocate, allegedly subjected the minor to repeated sexual assault during this period.
The representation alleged that the accused recorded videos of the assaults and used threats of exposure and violence to silence the victim. A second accused, Tsuktimongba Ao (37), was arrested on May 31.
The BJP Mahila Morcha said the allegations, if proven, would attract provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The organisation noted that the victim was taken into protective custody around May 23, an FIR was registered on May 25, the primary accused surrendered on May 27 and was remanded to judicial custody, while the second accused was arrested on May 31.
The Mahila Morcha sought constitution of an inquiry committee under the NCW Act, periodic action-taken reports every 15 days, monitoring of forensic examination of digital evidence, and coordination with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Nagaland State Commission for Women.
It also called for a fast-track trial in a designated POCSO court, witness protection, child-friendly procedures, comprehensive rehabilitation and compensation for the victim.
The organisation further urged formulation of guidelines for monitoring informal guardianship arrangements involving minors and reiterated its solidarity with the victim and her family while demanding a transparent, impartial and time-bound investigation.
More orgs call for justice and impartial probe
Condemning the act, the National Socialist Women's Organisation of Nagalim (NSWON) said it was shocked and outraged by the alleged sexual assault and described the incident as "despicable and unforgivable".
The NSWON called on the authorities to conduct a prompt investigation and ensure that the accused are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law without any consideration of their background or status.
The Dimapur Sumi Totimi Loka (DSTL) also condemned the alleged sexual abuse and described the incident as a “grave violation of the rights, dignity and safety of children.”
The organisation called upon the authorities to ensure a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the case and urged that due legal process be expedited to ensure justice is delivered in a timely and effective manner.
