Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCT 21 (NPN): All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged sexual assault and attempted rape of a woman travelling from Kohima to Chiephobozou on October 17, 2026.
Addressing a press conference at its office here Tuesday, ANTA treasurer Kelhoukhrielie Chielie said the incident reportedly occurred around 1:30pm, when the vehicle allegedly continued beyond the passenger’s intended destination and proceeded towards the Chiechama-Botsa route. The association expressed solidarity with the survivor and her family, commending her for filing a first information report (FIR) despite the alleged ordeal and the physical and emotional trauma she had endured. ANTA stressed the need for a fair and time-bound investigation to ensure justice, underscoring that violence against women must not be tolerated.
The association also clarified that private vehicles operating as taxis without the required authorisation were not affiliated with ANTA. It said unauthorised taxi operations risked tarnishing the reputation of registered operators who provided public transport services responsibly.
ANTA appealed to the public to report private vehicles allegedly operating as taxis without proper authorisation to the association or the relevant authorities. Calling for collective responsibility to safeguard passengers, the association stressed that women must be able to travel without fear, with their safety, dignity and freedom protected. Chielie also called for stronger coordination between ANTA, the traffic police and the district administration to curb unauthorised taxi operations and strengthen passenger security.