Dimapur, October 24 (MExN): Several organizations today condemned the killing of a woman by one Rupak Singh at New Market, Dimapur on October 23.
NMA: The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) demanded “strictest punitive actions” against the accused as per the law. “There has been a spiraling of violence against women and girls since the last few years and an indication that security and lives of women and girls are being threatened every day of our lives, where we need to ponder with all seriousness,” stated a condemnation note from Abei-u Meru, president and Lochumbeni Humtsoe, secretary of NMA. The Association demanded swift justice in all cases related to rape and murders of women and children, while asking the law enforcing agencies to ensure there are no loopholes for perpetrators of such crimes to get bail or be released.
CNTC: The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has warned every non-Naga and “outsiders” to be careful and not take the Nagas for granted. “Whatever may have been the reason how can our Naga sisters and daughters be allowed to be butchered in the middle of the town in front of us by some outsider like we don’t exist at all?” CNTC questioned in a release from its Media Cell. “This is the most crucial time where we Nagas also have to start questioning ourselves. Why have the non-locals and outsiders lost all the fear and respect towards us here even in our own land?” Pointing out that these kinds of incidents have seemed to become a routine in Nagaland, CNTC stated, “Such happenings are a clear indication of where our future is heading to.” The CNTC has appealed every Naga to attend the rally called by the Lotha Hoho of Dimapur at Deluxe Point on October 25 at 9:00 am in order to show solidarity and resentment against such heinous crime committed on Naga woman. It further warned the authorities not to bail the accused under any circumstances.
NCD: The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) in a separate statement expressed concern over such serious crime committed in broad daylight. It was also alarmed at Dimapur becoming prime city for “criminal minded” people from outside the state to carry out their criminal activities, according to the statement from NCD general secretary, Thsapongkyu Sangtam. The Council underscored “the complete lack of safety even in our homes and on the streets from these criminal goons.” Stating that the government and law enforcing agency need to be extra vigilant and award befitting punishment to the accused as per the law, the NCD conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members.
Elumyoe Unions: The Elumyoe Unions of Dimapur, Kohima, Wokha Town in a joint statement also condemned the killing of the woman, a mother of three. “It is a matter of high concern that safety in our own soil has become at stake as criminals commit such barbaric crime in a broad daylight in the heart of the city,” noted the statement appended by Dimapur Elumyoe Union chairman, Renathung Ezung. The unions urged the authority concerned to award befitting and exemplary “death punishment” to the accused. Meanwhile, they appealed to the legal fraternity not to extend assistance under any circumstances to the accused for bail etc. The unions also offered condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God grant them strength.
DDGBA: Dimapur District GB Association (DDGBA) meanwhile maintained that “such a barbaric act done in an open market is an insult to the law enforcing agency and peace loving Nagas.” The DDGBA in a condemnation note urged upon the district administration and police department to ensure a sense of security for the public, especially for those coming from outside the state. Further, it appealed for exemplary action against the accused.
DLYO: The Diphupar Lotha Youth Organization (DLYO) in a statement from its president, Chumbemo Odyuo and general secretary, Habenthung Ngullie demanded that the accused be tried and punished as deemed fit.
KLEE: The Kohima Lotha Eloe Ekhung (KLEE) termed the killing of the woman “intolerable.” In a statement, it urged upon the law enforcing agency to award exemplary punishment and delivery justice at the earliest. The Ekhung also conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed to God to grant peace to the deceased.
