• NMA questions Nagaland govt for allowing IAS officer under probe to hold key post
• Demands immediate suspension to ensure impartial investigation
• Terms writ petition filed by IAS officer harassment to SWC members
KOHIMA, APRIL 22 (MExN): The Naga Mothers Association (NMA) has reiterated its strong condemnation of the alleged incidents of sexual harassment involving Reny Wilfred, IAS, during his tenure as Joint Secretary of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN).
In a joint meeting with the State Women Commission held on April 19, the NMA stated that it had listened to personal accounts from female employees who accused the officer of sexual harassment both within and outside the IDAN office premises. The organization expressed its solidarity with the women who came forward with their complaints and called for legal action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The NMA also questioned the Nagaland Chief Secretary and the State Government on how an officer under investigation is being allowed to hold a position in another department and use government premises to conduct a press conference, despite facing serious allegations and an ongoing trial related to the Noklak sexual assault case.
“We are shocked, dismayed, and appalled to learn that he still occupies the position of Joint Secretary, Finance, despite his removal from the IDAN office,” the NMA stated.
Calling for his immediate suspension, the NMA said that such a move is necessary to ensure an impartial investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the police.
Additionally, the association expressed shock at learning about a writ petition filed by the IAS officer against members of the State Women Commission, even as the SIT investigation against him continues and while he is out on anticipatory bail.
“This is harassment of the SWC members, who are duty-bound to protect any victims who approach the Commission. This act is an insult to all of us Naga women by an outsider and a non-Naga,” the statement added.
The NMA appealed to tribal women’s organizations to come forward in solidarity to protect the dignity and rights of Naga women and ensure justice is served.
“We have not educated and brought up our daughters to be sexually harassed, terrorised, humiliated, and threatened at the workplace by a high-ranking predator officer, who is a shame to the entire IAS fraternity in the state and the country,” the association stated.
