KOHIMA, AUG 5 (NPN): Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, said crimes against women have long existed in the state but many remain unreported due to customary practices and social stigma.
Sharma was speaking at the training programme for functionaries of One Stop Centres (OSCs), police and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) organised by National Commission for Women (NCW), in collaboration with the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) and Mission Shakti, Department of Social Welfare,at the Police Headquarters Conference Hall, Kohima, on August 5.
The DGP stressed the need for open discussions on gender based violence and encouraged women and families to report abuse instead of treating it as a private matter. Sharma noted that the rising number of reported cases reflects greater public trust in the justice system. He emphasised the importance of registering FIRs, stating that legal action helps prevent repeat offences and ensures accountability. He also called for greater representation of women in the police force.
Director of Social Welfare, Nagaland, Tosheli Zhimomi, informed that OSCs under Mission Shakti handled 311 cases during 2025–26, including domestic violence, cybercrime, sexual assault, POCSO cases, missing persons and other cases involving women in distress. She stressed the need for stronger coordination among OSCs, police and DLSAs to provide timely and integrated support to survivors.
Nagaland State Commission for Women chairperson, W. Nginyeih Konyak, said many women continue to suffer in silence due to fear, stigma and lack of awareness of their rights. She urged departments to adopt a survivor centred and trauma informed approach while ensuring confidentiality, dignity and empathy in dealing with victims.
Konyak further highlighted the importance of institutional convergence, stating that survivors should have seamless access to shelter, counselling, medical care, police assistance and legal aid without being forced to navigate multiple departments. She also underscored the need for self care among frontline responders to prevent burnout.
Additional Secretary, Social Welfare Department and Mission Director, Mission Shakti, Olemjungla Aier, called for stronger coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders.
The programme was chaired by Akokla Longchar, member, Nagaland State Commission for Women.
