DIMAPUR, JUNE 2 (MExN): Several organisations have strongly condemned the alleged sexual assault and abuse of a 14-year-old minor girl in Dimapur and called for a swift investigation, accountability for the accused, and support for the survivor and her family.
The Diphupar Naga Women Organisation (DNWO) expressed its "deepest sorrow, profound anguish, and strongest condemnation" over the incident, describing sexual violence against a child as "a cruel betrayal of innocence, a violation of human dignity, and an assault upon the moral conscience of society."
Referring to the arrests of O Watimeren Jamir and Tsuktimongba Ao under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), DNWO stated that justice must proceed "without fear, favour, delay, or interference." The organisation also commended the Dimapur Police for their prompt action and urged authorities to ensure a thorough, impartial, transparent, and time-bound investigation.
The Village Council of Industrial Village Razhüphe also condemned what it described as a "heinous and inhumane incident of sexual assault and physical abuse on a minor." The council stated that the accused, who were supposed to be protectors, had instead become predators.
Describing the act as "barbaric, shameful and intolerable in a civilized society," the council expressed appreciation to the Dimapur Police for registering the case and arresting the accused. It further called for the early filing of a chargesheet and punishment of the accused under the relevant provisions of law.
The Central Nagaland Women Association (CNWA) said it was "deeply disturbed and outraged" by the incident and unequivocally condemned the accused for perpetrating what it termed a despicable act against a vulnerable child.
"The perpetrator must be brought to justice without delay, and the full force of the law must be applied to ensure accountability for this grave offense," the association stated, while urging authorities to provide protection, medical care and counselling support to the survivor.
The Rengma Mothers' Association Dimapur (RMAD), supported by the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD), also strongly condemned the alleged sexual and physical abuse of the minor girl in Lingrijan. The organisation demanded strict punishment for those responsible, stating that the perpetrators must be held fully accountable and justice delivered without delay. It also expressed solidarity with the survivor and her family and called on society to stand against violence and abuse of children and work towards creating a safer environment for every girl child.
The Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation (WCYO) expressed its "strongest and most unequivocal condemnation" of the alleged sexual abuse. The organisation described child sexual abuse as "the most heinous and despicable act" that inflicts profound physical, emotional and psychological trauma on victims.
"As a society, we must remain united in our commitment to protecting children from all forms of abuse, exploitation and violence. Crime against children can never be tolerated, excused or ignored," WCYO stated. It further expressed solidarity with the survivor and her family and urged law enforcement agencies to deliver justice at the earliest.
The Zeliang Youth Organization Dimapur (ZYOD) also condemned the alleged rape of the minor, describing it as a grave violation of human dignity, child protection rights and fundamental human rights.
"Such barbaric acts of sexual violence against innocent children are completely unacceptable and have no place in any civilized society," the organisation stated.
ZYOD expressed solidarity with the survivor and her family and called for a swift, impartial and transparent investigation. It urged investigating agencies to ensure that all procedural and technical aspects of the law are properly addressed so that the accused cannot evade legal consequences. The organisation further demanded prosecution under the strictest provisions of the POCSO Act and other applicable laws.
