DIMAPUR, MARCH 9 (MExN): Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland on Friday condemned the March 5 physical assault on a woman in election related violence allegedly on the behest of the Changki Village Council (CVC) as the “most shameful news of inhumane crime perpetuated against an elderly woman by a group of misogynistic men.”
ACAUT Nagaland Co-Chairman Tia Longchar and Convener Public Liaison, Simon Kelio in a press statement alleged that in the name of customary law, the woman was interrogated, brutalized and assaulted in the village council hall simply because she exercised her right to vote and voted against the unlawfully declared village candidate of the Village Council (VC).
The corruption watchdog stated that the perpetuators of this crime have committed a gross human rights violation and tarnished the image of the VC’s which deserves condemnation from all.
ACAUT also recalled that a video was circulated in social media showing a group of men reportedly from Mongsenyimti Village intimidating women and preventing them from going to the polling station while making a mockery of the free and fair election mandated by the Election Commission of India.
“While it is condemnable, the mal-practices committed during election by individuals and group however it is simply not acceptable, when a prestigious and revered institution like the village councils, who are supposed to act watchdogs against such transgression, are the ones who are the biggest violators of justice,” ACAUT said.
It also raised questions on the loop holes in the process of election, citing an instance on how the CVC was able to know who the victim and three other people voted, when voting is supposed to be done secretly.
Further, in-spite of the 144CrPC being imposed in all of Mokokchung district, ACAUT expressed surprise that a group of men could prevent women voters from voting in Mongsenyimti village.
More importantly, ACAUT felt that the actions of the “few greedy VC members during the election by declaring village candidates have tarnished the once revered and respected village councils by allowing it to be misused by politicians and succumbing to partisan politics.”
The arbitrary and dictatorial attitude by unscrupulous few, is certainly making VC’s seem more of a bane than boon for Nagas, ACAUT said while adding that time has come to introspect, brain storm and revise the powers, functions and jurisdictions of VC’s and remove any ambiguities.
While maintaining that if Nagaland has to go at par with the rest of the world then it must begin with changes at the grassroots i.e. from village level, ACAUT has proposed that the State Government “facilitate in bringing about a uniform civil code in village councils of Nagaland to bring the VC’s in tune with times and the spirit of modern democracy.”
Meanwhile, ACAUT lauded the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner, Sachin Jaiswal for his prompt action on the matter and has fervently appealed to the district administration and law enforcers to leave no stone unturned in brining the culprits to book and ensure that the justice is upheld.
