Members of the CSUD, CUD and CWOD address a press conference on May 28 demanding justice in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 28
Three Dimapur-based Chang civil society organisations on Thursday condemned the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl in Dimapur and appealed for justice while urging the authorities to ensure a fair investigation under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Addressing a press conference in Dimapur, the Chang Union Dimapur (CUD), Chang Women Organisation Dimapur (CWOD), and Chang Students’ Union Dimapur (CSUD) expressed concern over the alleged incident involving a minor girl who was reportedly staying under the guardianship of a family in Dimapur for educational purposes.
CUD President Lanuchuba Chang stated that the organisations received information regarding the case on May 24 and subsequently visited the Women Police Station to inquire about the matter. He said the victim had already been taken into protective custody by the Child Helpline (CHL) and Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
According to him, representatives of the organisations later met officials of the CWC and Child Helpline, who informed them that the minor was “mentally stable” but had reportedly sustained physical injuries and was being kept in a safe shelter.
The organisations stated that they were advised against meeting the child due to her condition and trauma.
Lanuchuba further informed that an FIR was subsequently lodged by the Chang Union seeking legal action and justice for the minor victim.
The FIR, dated May 25, named the accused as one Watimeren.
The FIR has already been lodged and the matter has been taken up by law enforcement agencies and the press conference was convened to appeal for justice for the underage victim, he added.
Also addressing the press, CWOD Vice President Bendangmemla Chang described the alleged incident as “deeply painful” and called for stronger safety measures for women and children.
“No mother wants a situation like this to happen, whether she is keeping someone else's child, an adopted child, or her own, she stated, while expressing hope that the police and judiciary would ensure due process and bring the case to a logical conclusion.
CSUD Vice President I Chejing Chang also condemned the alleged act, terming it “heinous,” and appealed to the public to collectively denounce violence and abuse against children.
He further urged media organisations and the public to protect the identity and dignity of the minor survivor, avoid speculation, and refrain from victim-blaming.
The student body also expressed solidarity with the victim and her family and stated that it would continue to pursue the matter until justice is delivered.
During the interaction with the media, representatives of the organisations stated that the accused had reportedly been granted anticipatory bail.
Stephen Chang, Joint Secretary, CUD informed that a representation had been submitted to the competent authority seeking cancellation of the bail.
Responding to queries, the organisations stated that the child had reportedly been staying with the guardian’s family for nearly two years while attending school in Dimapur. A representative alleged that the accused is a practising lawyer and a former student leader.
The organisations also maintained that once the matter had entered the legal process, there should be no attempt at compromise or negotiation in the case.
As reported earlier by this newspaper, the alleged case surfaced on May 23 after the minor girl was taken into protective custody by the authorities.
A police complaint alleging rape of a minor was reportedly filed on May 25. Sources had alleged that the victim may have been subjected to abuse over an extended period.
The police is yet to issue an official statement on the issue.
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