DIMAPUR, JULY 7 (MExN): The Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) and the Nagaland Indigenous Peoples Forum (NIPF) have condemned the alleged sexual assault on a minor girl by a shopkeeper at the New Market area in Dimapur and called for action against the culprit.
According to official sources, the incident reportedly occurred a few months back but only came to light on July 6, when the victim confided to her friend, who thereafter informed the victim’s parents. A complaint was filed on the same day and the accused has been arrested.
A press release from the DNSU said that “this abhorrent act is a grave violation of human dignity and a direct assault on the safety and security of our children and our community.”
The DNSU stands in solidarity with the victim and her family during this traumatic time and pledges its full support in seeking justice. We are deeply disturbed by the increasing instances of crimes perpetrated against indigenous communities, particularly our vulnerable sections,” it stated.
The DNSU appealed to the Dimapur Police, particularly the Women Police Station, and all other concerned law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation into this heinous crime. It urged the authorities to ensure that the accused is brought to justice through stringent legal action.
“We further appeal to the judiciary to ensure a fast-track trial and deliver exemplary punishment to the perpetrator, serving as a strong deterrent against such reprehensible acts in the future. No stone should be left unturned in safeguarding the rights and well-being of our children,” the DNSU stated.
The DNSU also said that the incident “once again underscores the urgent and undeniable need for the stringent and comprehensive implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Dimapur.” “The unchecked influx and unregulated presence of non-locals pose a direct threat to the safety, cultural integrity, and land rights of the indigenous Naga people,” it stated. It reiterated the demand for a definitive cut-off year for ILP enforcement and urged the state government to address all loopholes that allow illegal activities and exploitation by unscrupulous elements.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Indigenous Peoples Forum (NIPF) also condemned the incident and termed the act as “heinous and unpardonable.”
“These kind of unacceptable incidents upon the Indigenous Peoples are occurring one after another which is an insult and disrespect to our people in our own land,” the NIPF stated. It appealed to the law enforcing agencies to sternly deal with the culprit under all the relevant law.
