Women join Public Rally in Kohima in protest against delay in sexual harassment cases on June 19. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 19
The Tribal Women Bodies of Kohima on Friday staged a public rally at the Old MLA Hostel junction to protest against the delay in adjudication of sexual harassment cases.
Later, the bodies took out a procession to Lok Bhavan and submitted a memorandum to Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav.
In the memorandum, the women bodies alleged that the sexual harassment case against Reny Wilfred, an IAS officer, involving ten of his subordinate employees, has been pending for an unduly long time and that the accused has been resorting to all possible delaying tactics, hampering the delivery of justice.
The bodies urged the Governor to intervene in the matter and ensure early justice to the victims. Expressing deep alarm over repeated adjournments and legal maneuvers, the bodies demanded a time-bound trial in the sexual harassment case involving then IAS officer and calling for stringent action against perpetrators of crimes against women and children.
In their memorandum, the collective of 15 tribal women organisations voiced grave concern over what they termed as “persistent delay tactics” by the accused, which they said have undermined the justice delivery system and fostered a sense of impunity. The community is “deeply saddened and alarmed” that despite the filing of a charge sheet, the trial remains at a standstill.
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“The continued prolongation of the proceedings, despite the filing of the charge sheet, strikes at the very foundation of a fair and expeditious justice delivery system and risks fostering a sense of impunity among perpetrators across society,” the memorandum stated, adding that sexual offences by those in public trust damage the integrity of public service.
The bodies highlighted a sequence of legal proceedings they believe demonstrate willful delays: an FIR registered on April 2, 2025, followed by a dismissed writ petition in the High Court, a dismissed appeal in the Supreme Court, and subsequently, an admitted Criminal Revision Petition in the High Court that has led to the adjournment of a trial scheduled for June 9, 2026, to July 14, 2026.
The IAS officer is alleged to have molested two minor girls during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Noklak (NLK P.S. Case No. 08/2021) under sections 354/511/376 IPC and sections 8 and 10 of the POCSO Act, 2012. A second FIR (SCPS No. 01/2025) was filed on April 2, 2025, for allegedly sexually harassing women employees under his authority as Joint Secretary in IDAN.
The memorandum noted with concern that victims who came forward have since been removed from contractual employment and remain unemployed, facing “further hardship and economic insecurity” for raising their voices.
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Charter of Demands
In view of the gravity of the allegations and in the interest of ensuring a fair, impartial and expeditious trial, the bodies placed the three Charter of Demands: That, no further willful delays be permitted in the proceedings and that the trial be conducted in a fair, impartial and time bound manner.
That, pending the final adjudication of the case, the accused should continue to be kept under suspension and should not be reinstated, posted or entrusted with any official duties or responsibilities in any department or public office whatsoever.
That, in the event of his conviction under the relevant provisions of law and in addition to such exemplary punishment as may be permissible there under, the accused should not be allowed to work under the Government of Nagaland under any capacity and should be permanently barred from holding any public office or position in Nagaland.
Concern over rising crimes
The memorandum also drew the Governor’s attention to four recent incidents of crimes against women and girl children, including the rape of a minor by her local guardian in Dimapur, harassment of a minor by a church leader in Kohima, the rape of a grandmother by a law enforcer in Kiphire, and the rape of a minor by a truck driver.
Condemning these “heinous inhuman crimes,” the Women Bodies demanded exemplary punishment for all perpetrators at the earliest, asserting that “inordinate delays in legal proceedings and the failure to convict perpetrators within a reasonable time have contributed to the rising incidences of crime.”
The rally was addressed by Shaan Khiamniungan, Vice-President Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam, Kohima, Athsang Yimkhiung, Vice-President Yimkhiung Women Organisation, Pithungo Shitio, Editor, Naga Students Federation, I Moanungsang, President Kohima Aor Telongjem, KN Mhonthung Lotha, Chairman Kohima Lotha Hoho, Vipu Zashiimo, General Secretary, Angami Youth Organisation and David Kire. Zajamo Odyuo, Associate Pastor, City Church, Kohima pronounced a prayer while Neithono R Sothu, president Angami Women Organization delivered keynote address.
The memorandum was read out by Kavitoli Zhimomi Jakhalu, Vice President Sumi Totimi Hoho, Kohima while vote of thanks was proposed by Sierhetshii Phoji, Finance Secretary, Pochury Women Organisation, Kohima.
The memorandum was also submitted to Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and Deputy Commissioner Kohima.
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