Reny Wilfred sexual harassment case: Naga women decry delay

Naga tribal women organisations have expressed deep pain and concern over the lack of progress in the alleged sexual harassment case at the Investment Development Agency of Nagaland (IDAN) office involving suspended joint secretary Reny Wilfred, IAS.
In a joint statement the leaders of the 13 Naga women organizations- Angami Women Organisation (AWO), Watsu Telen Kohima (WTK), Chakhesang Mothers Association (CMA), Pochury Women Organisation Kohima (PWOK), Rengma Mothers Association Kohima unit, Kohima Chang Sao Thangjem (KCST), Khiamniungam Menyiu Hoikam, Kohima (KMHK), Kohima Lotha Eloe Ekhung (KLEE), Kohima Sumi Totimi Hoho (KSTH), Tikhir Women Union Kohima (TWUK), Phomla Hoichem Kohima Unit (PHKU), Akehta Sangtamlarü Thsingmüjang (AST) and Yimkhuing Women Organisation (YWO)- reiterated that such serious allegations could not be brushed aside as they struck at the core of women’s dignity, safety, and trust in institutions.
They said that more than a year after the complaint, justice remained elusive despite the seriousness of the charges. They also warned that such delays only embolden perpetrators and erode trust in institutions. “Justice seems far for the victims,” they said adding that offences of this nature strike at the core of dignity and safety.
The women bodies noted that although a chargesheet has reportedly been filed, little movement has followed, adding to survivors’ trauma and eroding public confidence in the justice system. They warned that justice delayed risks becoming justice denied while stressing that institutions must act with sincerity, urgency, and accountability.
The organizations have urged for immediate and daily hearings in the sexual harassment case and pointed out that as per provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, adjournments in criminal proceedings should be limited to exceptional cases.
The groups further noted that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 provides clear guidance for offences of this nature, insisting the law must take its full course fairly, transparently, and free from external pressure or vested interests.
They strongly urged that Wilfred should not be reinstated or allowed to resume any official position until the trial is fully concluded, warning that reinstatement at this stage would undermine the integrity of the process and affect the course of justice.
The organisations demanded swift delivery of justice-transparent, impartial, and time bound-without interference or delay.
Reiterating their commitment to pursue the matter until accountability is ensured, they appealed to institutions to act with urgency and responsibility. “This is not just about one case,” the statement said, “it is about upholding the rule of law and reinforcing the message that accountability will always prevail.”
The signatories of the joint statement included AWO president Neithono R Sothu, WTK president T Bendangsenla, CMA advisor Vetu Zapra, PWOK member Sawmi Leyri, RMAKU vice-president Lilykent, KCST president Amenla, KMHK assistant general secretary Ejaen Hanna, KLEE general secretary Achambeni, KSTH president Piholi Swunetho, TWUK advisor Yongchem, PHKU assistant general secretary L Benny, AST assistant general secretary Atsala Anar and YWO vice-president Athsang.