DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 25 (MExN): The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Dimapur (ENPUD) staged a massive silent procession in Dimapur on Tuesday demanding speedy deliverance of justice in connection with the rape of a minor, which occurred on September 14, by one Tinulepden Amer. The rally witnessed over two thousand men and women, including students, from the six federating units of the ENPUD and the Duncan Women Union converging at the Clock Tower intersection.
The mass of people then marched to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where a 7-point memorandum of demands addressed to the Chief Secretary was submitted to the DC.
The ENPUD in the memorandum stated that the people of eastern Nagaland are not only outraged and humiliated but also distressed “by the utterly heinous and beastly act committed on a minor girl by none other than a grandfatherly figure without an iota of concern.”
Denial of bail to the accused, under no circumstances, was the first demand included in the memorandum. It also demanded of the Chief Secretary to direct the investigating agency to expedite the investigation with urgency; and endorsing the case to the Fast Track Court to ensure swift delivery of justice to the victim.
Ensuring that no loophole is left while preparing the charge-sheet against the accused, termination of service of the accused without any incentives, granting immediate and adequate monetary compensation to the victim, and notifying the public on the action taken, were the other demands mentioned.
“We hope and trust that you will exercise utmost wisdom while considering and fulfilling the demands... and deliver justice to the victim in a transparent, fair and just manner,” the ENPUD in the memorandum stated.
Meanwhile, investigators are still waiting for the report of the medical test conducted on the victim. Samples were sent to Guwahati for forensic tests a few days back. The minor is under the care of Childline, while the accused is under judicial custody awaiting trial. Trial can only begin after the police file the charge-sheet against the accused.
Stray incidents of aggression reported
The rally was on the whole peaceful save some stray incidents of aggressive behaviour. At the receiving end of the aggressive emotional outbursts was also a reporter of Eastern Mirror. The reporter, Sedelo Nyusou was on his way to the DC’s office to attend a meeting when an unidentified member of the rally hit him on the chest and was forcefully shoved aside.
The incident occurred just outside the DC’s office complex. “The person did not even bother to inquire of my identity and why I was there at the time,” the reporter said. Despite, the reporter quietly made his way to the DC’s office. Some ENPUD leaders were also informed of the incident.
Two other pedestrians were also assaulted at Midland opposite Dimapur Club. According to eyewitness accounts, the two pedestrians were unfortunate enough to have crossed the road as the procession was making its way through. It annoyed some youthful members of the rally, who got hold of the pedestrians. One managed to slip away but not before receiving some blows. The other was saved by a policeman on duty. The annoyed youths then vented their frustration on a book stall nearby. Glass panes were destroyed in the process.
