Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 28 (NPN): Dimapur-based Chang civil society organisations (CSOs)– Chang Union Dimapur (CUD), Changsao Thangjam Dimapur (CTD) and Chang Students’ Union Dimapur (CSUD)– Thursday strongly condemned the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl and demanded immediate justice, asserting that the case would not be compromised under any circumstances.
Addressing the media at the residence of CUD treasurer, CUD president Lanuchuba Chang informed that the incident came to their knowledge on May 24 through reliable sources, following which the CSOs rushed to Women Police Station but found that the victim had been taken under the care of Child Helpline and Child Welfare Committee (CWC). As it was a Sunday, he said officials could not be located at their offices.
He said an emergency meeting was later held with CWC officials on May 25, during which the officials informed that the victim was physically in stable condition but undergoing severe psychological trauma and counselling. He added that the CSOs had requested to meet the victim but were advised against it due to her condition. Lanuchuba said the CSOs subsequently lodged an FIR at Women Police Station and appealed for support to ensure justice for the minor, who was a bona fide member of the community.
He maintained that the matter involved sexual abuse of a minor and would not be subject to any settlement irrespective of family or external pressure, while stressing that arrest of the accused was necessary to ensure justice.
CTD vice president Bendangmenla Chang said the incident had deeply hurt the sentiments of mothers, stating that parents place immense trust when sending their children to stay with others for education or work.
She termed the alleged act a betrayal of trust and said such incidents should not happen to any Naga woman, while calling for justice and stronger awareness on women’s safety and resilience.
Meanwhile, CSUD vice president I. Chejing Chang strongly condemned the alleged act, terming it a heinous case of sexual exploitation and physical assault on a minor. He said the accused, identified as Wati Imchen, reportedly a resident of Lengrijan, had deeply hurt the sentiments of the student community and appealed to all sections of Naga society to unite in condemning such crimes beyond tribal lines.
Chejing said the accused was associated with the legal fraternity in Dimapur and had previously held positions in student organisations, including former president of ANCSU and general secretary of NSF. Despite this, he expressed full trust in the judiciary and investigating team.
He also acknowledged support extended by Dimapur Eastern Naga Students’ Union, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation and Chang Wedoshi Setshang.
Appealing to the media, he urged protection of the victim’s identity and cautioned against speculation and victim-blaming.
He affirmed that CSUD stood in solidarity with the victim and her family and would continue pursuing justice, adding that the union was prepared to take further steps if justice was delayed or denied.
Responding to media queries, CUD joint secretary Stephen Chang disclosed that the accused had been granted anticipatory bail and that the CSOs had submitted a representation to the competent authority seeking revocation of the bail at the earliest.
He also appealed to the media to handle the matter sensitively, particularly regarding the victim’s identity, noting that disclosure could adversely affect her future.
Stephen further appealed to right-thinking citizens to stand united against such crimes, irrespective of tribal differences, and support the demand for justice.
“This is not just about one community. Such incidents can happen to anyone. Justice for this minor will be a collective victory,” he said.
Asked how long the victim had been staying with the guardian, CSUD executive secretary Yempokumba Chang informed that the victim had reportedly been staying with the guardian since around 2015 for educational purposes while assisting with household chores.
More organizations condemn
More Dimapur-based organisations have strongly condemned the alleged sexual assault and physical abuse of a minor girl in Dimapur and demanded strict legal action against the accused.
NWHD: Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) said it was deeply disturbed and anguished by the reported case of alleged sexual assault and physical abuse of a minor girl in Dimapur allegedly perpetrated by one O. Watimeren.
NWHD termed such acts against innocent children as a serious concern for society, asserting that such cases must be dealth with utmost urgency and seriousness
As a mother body committed to the welfare and protection of women and children, NWHD said it unequivocally condemned the alleged act, terming violence and exploitation against minors intolerable and deserving of the strongest condemnation from every responsible section of society.
The hoho strongly appealed to the concerned authorities and law enforcement agencies to conduct a fair, prompt and thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that the accused, O. Watimeren, was booked under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other applicable laws. It also demanded strict and exemplary punishment for the accused so that justice was delivered to the victim and such crimes were deterred in future.
NWHD further expressed solidarity with the victim and her family and prayed for her physical, emotional and psychological healing, while stating that the safety and dignity of every child must remain a collective responsibility of society.
The hoho also urged citizens, organisations and community leaders to create awareness and strengthen protective measures to ensure children were safe from abuse, exploitation and violence. It reaffirmed its commitment towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and children and called upon society to stand united against all forms of injustice and abuse.
DNSU: Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), in a press release, vehemently condemned the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl and termed it a barbaric act and grave violation of human dignity.
DNSU said the alleged act was a grave violation of human dignity and a serious threat to the safety of society, adding that such crimes were absolutely intolerable and must be dealt with the harshest legal action.
The union expressed firm solidarity with the victim and her family and demanded immediate justice, stating that the severe physical, emotional and psychological trauma inflicted upon the minor could not be ignored and that the accused must be held fully accountable without delay.
DNSU also strongly condemned the anticipatory bail granted to the accused and demanded that it be immediately cancelled or revoked, stating that allowing the accused to remain free in such a serious case undermined justice and obstructed a fair investigation.
The union demanded that law enforcement authorities act swiftly to ensure immediate arrest of the accused and initiate strict legal proceedings, while warning that any delay, negligence or leniency would not be tolerated.
DNSU further warned that failure to deliver timely justice would compel the union to take necessary democratic steps, and asserted that crimes against minors must be met with zero tolerance and uncompromising enforcement of the law.
YUD: Yimkhiung Union Dimapur (YUD) vehemently condemned the alleged sexual assault and physical abuse of a minor girl, describing the incident as barbaric, deplorable and wholly unacceptable in a civilized society.
The union stated that crimes against children were serious violations of human dignity and fundamental rights, causing irreparable emotional, psychological and physical trauma to the victim. YUD expressed deep anguish over the incident and asserted that such inhumane acts must be dealt with firmly and without compromise.
YUD further urged the concerned law enforcement authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that the accused was brought to justice under appropriate provisions of the law.
Expressing solidarity with the victim and the family, YUD called upon responsible citizens, organisations and community leaders to collectively stand against crimes targeting women and children and work towards building a safer and more secure society for all.
KUD: Konyak Union Dimapur (KUID) also strongly condemned the alleged sexual assault and physical abuse of a minor Chang girl by the owner of the house where she was staying.
In a condemnation note, KUD president M. Jeange Yanlem and general secretary Wangwan said sexual abuse of a minor girl not only caused physical harm but also left emotional and mental trauma that the victim would carry throughout her lifetime.
KUD alleged that the act committed against an innocent child who was under the shelter and protection of the accused and had trusted him wholeheartedly reflected a “sadistic nature”, and asserted that there was no room for such a person in society.
KUD appealed to law enforcement agencies to arrest the accused at the earliest and award befitting punishment, stating that the alleged act had exposed the ugliness and wickedness of humanity in the mind of the minor victim. The union further demanded that the accused be booked under non-bailable sections of the law and should not be granted bail.
The union also appealed to all right-thinking citizens to come forward and condemn the alleged crime.
RS MP: Rajya Sabha MP S. Phangnon Konyak has expressed deep concern over the reported sexual assault of a minor in Dimapur.
Condemning the incident in the strongest terms, the MP stated that such heinous and inhuman acts have no place in a civilized society and must be collectively denounced by every responsible citizen.
Phangnon further informed that she had spoken to the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, and was apprised that police have taken cognisance of the matter and that progress was being made in the investigation.
Emphasising the importance of protecting the survivor, the MP stated that the identity, dignity and rights of the minor must be safeguarded at all costs.
She further asserted that crimes against children can never be tolerated under any circumstances and called upon society to stand united in ensuring the safety, protection and dignity of every child.