Several organisations including Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA), Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA), Chakhesang Women Society Kohima (CWSK), Phekmi Welfare Union Kohima (PWUK), Yimkhiung Union Kohima (YUK) and Yimkhiung Women Organization Kohima Unit (YWOKU) have vehemently condemned April 17 incident in Kohima where one Yankiuba Yimchunger allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl.
Expressing shock and serious concern over the incident, the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) said that such “ruthless and insane” behaviour, targeting a minor girl child, was “intolerable anymore.”
NMA stated that safety of women and girl child needed proper awareness programme since victims will carry this trauma for the rest of their life.
Further, NMA lamented that such social evils and menaces were becoming a routine affair. The Naga mothers appealed to all sections of society to condemn and remain vigilant against such “unsavory character.”
NMA also urged the state government and the law enforcing agencies to book the accused under non bailable offence and not to release the accused under any circumstances. It demanded that the accused be awarded vigorous punishment which should serve as an example for future references.
CMA, CWSK: Vehemently condemning the alleged rape incident, the Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA) and the Chakhesang Women Society Kohima (CWSK) said they were “horrified” at the way the accused lured the minor and her younger brother on the pretext of buying them sweets, and deserted the latter in the middle of nowhere, while took the sister and committed the “monstrous, barbaric act.”
In a joint statement, CMA president Zhonelü Tünyi and CWSK president Neikhwepeu Khalo stated that such a person had no place in the society. “We are extremely shocked and gravely concerned that such a predator had been freely roaming around in the heart of Kohima town,” they said.
The two bodies have appealed to the law enforcing agencies to strictly investigate into the matter. They also urged the trial court to not grant bail to the accused under any circumstance.
Further, CMA and CWSK urged the court to expedite the case proceedings so justice was not delayed.
They also called upon all right-thinking citizens to condemn this heinous crime in the strongest of terms so the perpetrator was awarded befitting punishment as per the law of the land and that it would serve as a deterrent to prevent such crimes in future. CMA and CWSK expressed sorrow and solidarity to the victim, her brother and their family.
PWUK: Vehemently condemning the “devilish act” meted to two minors belonging to the community, the Phekmi Welfare Union Kohima (PWUK) stated that the accused Yankiuba Yimchunger, who lives in the close vicinity of the victims’ family at Lower Chandmari, Kohima, was looked upon by the minors as ‘Uncle’.
In a press release, PWUK president Zhokupa Hoshi and general secretary Kusapa Rhakho said the accused took them somewhere near Sonorü Bridge (Secretariat Road), left the boy with some eatables by the roadside and took his elder sister away on the pretext of finding a taxi.
The union stated that at around 10.30 pm, an evening jogger (Rengma Students’ Union vice president Rüchühilo Semy) found the 8-year-old boy by the road side, alone and crying.
They said that with much difficulty, the boy’s identity was traced out and he was handed over to the officials of the Chakhesang Students’ Union, who in turn brought the boy home to his father (a widower). “What fate would have befallen upon this boy if not found by this gentleman is beyond comprehension,” PWUK stated.
They said that the accused taking advantage of the forlorn road with no commuters late at night “forcefully fulfilled his evil intentions” on the 12-year-old girl. “Though she shouted and cried, nobody could hear her nor come to her rescue,” the union said, adding that the accused threatened her of dire consequences “if his evil act was made known.”
According to PWUK, the father informed the rescuers of his son that his elder daughter was not home and they went in search of her. The union said that at Around 12:20am, the accused was found with the girl at the junction of the Secretariat and Billy Graham Road.
The union has appealed to the law enforcing agencies to award the most befitting punishment to the accused. The union said it will under no circumstances accept any prejudiced and unsatisfactory verdict. In the event of any shortfall on delivering appropriate justice, the union has cautioned it would not be held responsible for “any unseen consequences.”
PWUK has expressed gratitude to Rüchühilo Semy for his quick and thoughtful actions and the Chakhesang Students’ Union for prompt and relevant action taken on behalf of the victims.
The union has expressed sympathy to the victims, the father and the family members who have suffered inhumane and intolerable physical and mental trauma.
YUK, YWOKU: Yimkhiung Union Kohima (YUK) and Yimkhiung Women Organization Kohima Unit (YWOKU) have strongly condemned the “barbaric act” of the Yankiuba of Chessore village and a temporary resident of Lower Chandmari, Kohima.
In a joint press release, YUK president John Tochimong, general secretary T Kiusangthong and YWOKU president Tansola said they were “shocked and feel ashamed” at the act of the accused.
The two organisations have appealed to the law enforcing authority to take stringent action against the accused as per the provisions of the law and not to grant him bail.
They also appreciated the Chakhesang Student’s Union for timely intervention in the case and the district police for booking the accused. The two bodies have conveyed solidarity to the family of the victims.