Many react to the news of ‘Rape’ with utter shock and disbelief. Condemnations, processions, relays, memorandums and news write-ups usually follow. Initially the wrath of the society falls on the accused then to his companions (if any) followed by a long lists of people such as the investigating officer, the police, the advocates, the judicial officers, the government, the politicians, the so called nationalists so on and so forth. The matter is due course of events at times dies altogether. The question which however remains is why are rape incidents mushrooming in our Naga society? Where from is the infection of rape creeping in our society? Is Christianity or the western culture to blame? Or had the Japanese brought this infection at the times of World War II? Or had is it the Indians or the illegal immigrants who brought this menace. Or is it the advancement of science and technology, viz, the internet, the movies, vis-à-vis the pornography that is to be blamed. However the harsh fact is, we Nagas shy away from accepting the very existence of rape since our ancestral times, and shamefully blame it on one thing or the other and do little to prevent its repetition. The evidences are striking in the marks left behind in almost every village and when almost every village has a story to tell, why even term it as alien. History records that rape was prevalent in our society; punishment was negotiated between the two parties and amongst the male counterparts, which were usually imposed in terms of goods, kinds, physical labor, marriage, expulsion from village etc, etc. the crux of the matter is, how do we prevent this menace, if not by the government, then who? The moral of our society has deteriorated so much so that none can be trusted, more importantly the neighbours, relatives, family friends, teachers, public leaders and shockingly even parents. Well its kind of catch 22 situation, on one hand government says they will take appropriate action but on the other hand their system does not seem to work and yet they do nothing to improve. Every one is aware how rich and the influential get away while the laws are found to be stern on the poor and helpless.
When issues such as delimitation of constituency or down sizing of ministers in the ministry arose, the State Government was quick to invoke Article 371A of the Constitution of India. However, this menace of rape doesn’t seem to stir any urgency or importance amongst the Government so as to invoke Article 371A, which interestingly comes within its preview. Today it’s some unknown person’s children, sister, mother, wife, etc, etc. but if it’s yours tomorrow, then what? The government cannot and must not hide behind the veil of the law or the so called Nationalist or the Women Commission or the Hohos or any other system/organization as such, they should not be found wanting defending the guilty or the influential. Law will take its own course, no doubt, but as the saying goes “justice delayed is justice denied”, and with the rapid increased of rape incidents, it shows that the law has terribly failed. It’s time the Government take accountability and seriously take suitable and stringent steps in protection our women and children.
The present Government being the legal guardian needs to respond positively to the voice of the public. So far, where personal benefits exist or where expansion/appeasement of loyalties is feasible, those agenda are found to become the Government’s top priority. The present government needs to know that they are going along the path of RJD & BJP in Bihar; therefore they better wake up from the wrong notion of monopoly of the people at large. Coming back to the point, the government can at the most expect cooperation from the society. Or is the government in the wrong notion that someone else will take the matter into their own hands and solve the problems, for the question of option does not and should not arise and if it ever does, they better step-down/quite/resign from their respective position/posts/jobs. As earlier stated, the Government has the option to enact some kind of laws under the authority specially vested to our state by Article 371 A of the constitution of India. For instance, the Government can take the initiative of setting up a special court (in collaboration with the Judiciary) exclusively for dealing with rape cases. The government can according set-up/ appoint alongside an exclusive forensic laboratory, lab assistants, doctors-specialists in subject matter, Special Investigation Officer, Special Public Prosecutor etc, etc to enable swift Justice. Setting of reasonable time frame with a clearly laid out penalty for the defaulting party including the main witnesses, if any, can be other option which can be looked into. Though capital punishment is looked upon by many to be necessary, we as Christians should look for other options such as life imprisonment and/or rigorous imprisonment. I vehemently condemn the beastly act of rape committed by Kakiho Zhimomi upon eight year old minor girl at Satakha, who is himself a father of four children and also a public standing leader. The perpetrator of this gruesome crime must be awarded exemplary punishment in accordance of law. Having said that the Government as well as the Judiciary should consider the plight of the four children.
The very fact that juvenile offenders are given the opportunity to rehabilitate for obvious reasons, I find no logical reasons why the welfare of the innocent children should not be looked into. Emotions and frustrations are indeed running high and dry, no doubt about that, but we Nagas profess to be Christians so also our Government declares that Nagaland is for Christ, then why on earth should we jeopardise the life of the innocent children by indirectly depriving them of their rights as any other citizens in one’s own village or town for that matter. Let me clarify my stand that I am not implying for any kind of leniency towards the culprit who should get his share of punishment. But the children’s right to live in a society and their due share of the basic rights as any other citizens should be well protected by the Government and nurtured by the churches. I do extend my heartfelt condolences to the minor victim and her family members. May the Lord give you all inner peace and strength to carry on.
Avika V Jimo
Dimapur, Nagaland
