Dimapur, August 16 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association today vent fire at the increasing instances of rape and molestation as witnessed in the last one week in the capital, Kohima. While expressing ire at the rape of a minor girl by a policeman, the NMA has also taken strong exception at the audacity of Border Road Task Force (BRTF) authorities in bailing out the culprits involved in the molestation of the wife of a prominent citizen.
“The raping of a Khiamniungam girl by no other than a personnel of the State police executive force, in the person of Raphungoyi Chakhesang is beyond comprehension for which, the NMA urges the Government not to release the culprit under any circumstances and institute vigorous punishment which should serve as an example even for future references, while also urging for proper rehabilitation of the victim who will be carrying this trauma for the rest of her life” demanded a statement from the NMA executive.
The Naga mothers lamented that even as the Naga society is reeling under a turbulent political situation, there seem to be no “let-up” of social evils and menaces, which has almost become a routine affair.
The NMA also took strong exception to the attitude of the BRTF in addressing the molestation of Indu Lotha, wife of politician and clergyman Dr. Rolland Lotha. The NMA stated: “To add more salt to all this injuries, the behavior and attitude of some of the officials of the 15 BRTF, Kohima, beginning from the perpetrators, namely, Mr. Jena, a Section Officer to the Officer in Charge, Mr. J M Chakraborty, Accounts Officer, in which the former molested Mrs. Indu Lotha, Senior Auditor of the same office/establishment, and later verbally abused the victim and all women of the Naga community, under our very nose, and in the center of our own home, i.e. Kohima, in a manner that cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”
“And when this situation has been lawfully addressed and proper dispensation of justice was awaited, the Commander himself bailed out the two under-trails further aggravating the whole issue. Not satisfied with this whole provocation and insults, the culprits themselves filed counter charges on cooked-up allegations and got the victim momentarily arrested” the NMA stated. The mothers have demanded that the two culprits be rearrested without further delay and kept under the custody of law till proper dispensation of justice is awarded according to the fitness of the situation.
“The State police department also must use this as an example to discipline all ranks and files of the police force, many of whom have become nuisances to the society which need no elaboration” the NMA urged adding that such cases must be severely dealt with.
Who-dun-it?
Conflicting versions are being received regarding the reported sexual harassment and molestation of the wife of a local politician, by BRTF officers. According to the BRTF, the alleged victim, Indu Lotha and her husband Dr Rolland Lotha “are behind bars for now.” While refuting the claims of Indu Lotha as detailed (in The Morung Express, August 16), the BRTF, in a rejoinder mentioned that an FIR was lodged in the North Police Station, Kohima, on August 13. A case was then filed in the court of the ADC (Judicial) Kohima. The court has already ordered immediate arrest of “the guilty and both husband and wife are behind bars as of now” stated the BRTF rejoinder. The BRTF further informed that investigations are being undertaken by Kohima’s North Police Station.
