NSCN/GPRN-R (Akato) President Akato Chophi alongwith other functionaries on June 14.
Financial assistance to Dimapur minor sexual abuse victim
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 14
NSCN/GPRN-R (Akato) announced a cash “bounty” for information leading to the arrest of sex offenders. The Naga Political Group (NPG) also announced financial assistance for the minor victim of the sexual abuse incident in Dimapur.
President Akato Chophi made the announcement on June 14 during a press briefing in Hoito village, Niuland. Condemning the sexual abuse, Chophi expressed concern over what he said was the rising cases of sexual assault against minor children in Nagaland. “Lately in Nagaland, the sexual assault of minor children has become a major issue. This is turning into a social disease,” Chophy said, claiming that it represents “a foreign culture that is slowly creeping in.”
The NPG’s Women and Child Welfare Ministry addressed the recent case in Dimapur involving the 14-year-old victim. Deputy Kilonser, Christina Lotha, stated that the victim's family is unable to face society due to trauma. “From the Women and Child Welfare Ministry, we strongly declare that the perpetrator of this crime must not be granted bail under any circumstances,” Lotha said. She added that the women’s wing would be compelled to take direct action if law enforcement agencies fail to enforce strict measures.
According to Deputy Kilonser Among Ao, “mothers and sisters cannot remain silent” when a young girl's life has been completely shattered. “We urge the authorities to ensure that the accused is not given any easy way out,” Ao said, demanding that the law take its course without bail.
President Akato Chophi appreciated the Dimapur police for arresting the accused in the case. However, he warned that the group would intervene if the judicial process is compromised.
He added that his group will give anyone cash bounty of up to Rs 2 lakh for information leading to the arrest of sex offenders. “We are ready to offer a bounty of Rs 50,000, Rs 1 lakh, or even Rs 2 lakhs to anyone, and even the police, who help to apprehend perpetrators,” Chophi stated, referencing cases where accused persons attempt to evade justice.
Chophi added that the financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to aid the rehabilitation of the 14-year-old victim will be routed through the Dimapur Eastern Naga Students’ Union (DENSU).
Responding to inquiries regarding another case in Niuland district, where an accused named Saddam Hussain was arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a 7 year-old girl, Chophi said that the group was aware of the case, and will follow up to ensure legal action is taken.
