Dimapur, August 13 (MExN): The Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) has strongly condemned the reported rape of a minor girl allegedly by one Meyikumzuk at Officer’s Hill, Kohima, on August 11. The ENWO expressed outrage at the “abhorrent act.” The Organisation termed the “horrific and ungodly” assault as a “shame and blot on the well being of women everywhere” and that it raises questions on the “safety and security” of women. It urged upon law enforcing agencies to take “stringent action” against the perpetrator as per the law, not to “granted bail at any cost” and give “befitting punishment.” The ENWO in a press release from its Information & Press Secretary today stated that it supports the representation served to the Principal District and Sessions Judge by its federating unit – the Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam (KMH), Kohima.
In a separate joint press release, Khiamniungan Union Kohima (KUK), Khiamniungan Students Union Kohima (KSUK), and Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam Kohima (KMHK) also condemned the rape and termed it “highest degree of crime.” The press release, issued by presidents of the three organizations, alleged that on the night of August 11 when the victim went out to a nearby shop, she was forcefully dragged by the accused to his place and raped. “The girl tried to escape and picked a stone for her safety; however, the accused threatened the girl and snatched away the stone,” they stated. The joint release further alleged that the accused told the victim (in Nagamese), “Even if you scream you cannot do anything, this is Ao area.” She was then allegedly raped at the accused’s place at Merhulietsa colony. The girl managed to reach home around 10:00pm and reported the incident to her guardian. The unions have questioned, “How and why the accused was so decisive to say that it is an Ao area, directly inviting communal hatred?” They appealed to the law enforcing authority to award befitting punishment as per the law and to make the case a non-bailable offence. In the event of failure to deliver justice, the three organizations warned they will not remain silent.
