Various organisations have strongly condemned the alleged molestation of a Naga woman in a moving autorickshaw by co-passenger, purportedly a juvenile, on June 15, 2025. The autorickshaw driver has been identified as one Nur Islam P of Nagaon, Assam.
It was reported that the victim, who arrived at Dimapur airport from Pune around 1 p.m., stopped an autorickshaw at 4th Mile, Diphupar and asked to take her to Kohima taxi stand.
However, the autorickshaw driver instead took her towards Niuland. Despite the victim repeatedly pleading the driver to stop, he continued and during the journey, the male co-passenger allegedly molested her.
VVC: Vihokhu Village Council (VVC) and GBs have strongly condemned the incident and clarified that the accused was not a bona fide member of Vihokhu village.
In a press release, VVC chairman Phukato Zhimomi and Secretary Tohovi Aye also clarified that the accused did not reside at Vihokhu village at any point in time.
The village council denounced his “malicious intention” to tarnish the image of Vihokhu village by claiming to be presently residing at Vihokhu. VVC has urged the competent authority to take stringent action against those perpetrators involved in the crime.
WSH: Western Sumi Hoho and its frontal organisation expressed outrage over the disturbing incident, which it described as “not only inhuman but a direct assault on the dignity and safety of women in our society.”
WSH through its media cell affirmed full solidarity with the victim and her family, and commend the victim’s immense courage and presence of mind in the face of such trauma. The hoho demanded that the law enforcement agencies award an exemplary punishment to the two accused.
WSH said Nagaland has long held a reputation as being one of the safest states for women in the country. However, it expressed concern over rising instances of violence against women, which threaten to erode that identity.
The hoho said that the incident was not just an attack on an individual but on the collective conscience of the society, civil bodies, and law enforcement agencies “to safeguard this legacy and act decisively against any attempt to endanger it.”
Meanwhile, WSH has described as “alarming and unacceptable” that one of the accused has been illegally using Sümi name (his mother’s surname and tribal identity to pass off as a local.)
The hoho said that it was a blatant violation of the resolution passed by the Sumi Hoho (SH), which strictly prohibited any non-local who married a Sumi Naga woman from naming their children or passing on the mother’s surname or tribal identity.
Endorsing SH resolution, WSH said it did not recognize the accused as a Sumi Naga in any form. “(We) view this act of false identity as a serious offense against our customs, our people, and our community’s integrity,” WSH stated. The hoho warned that misuse of Naga identity by individuals of non-Naga descent would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Issuing a strict warning, WSH directed any non-local using the name, surname, or title of a Sumi Naga when he or she is not a Naga by blood, to immediately desist from such misrepresentation. “Failure to do so will invite serious consequences,” WSH cautioned.
The hoho stated that it was not just a matter of tribal identity, but about preserving the dignity, purity, and rightful inheritance of Naga people. It called upon all tribal and community bodies and government authorities to strictly verify such identity claims and prevent any further misuse.
TUD: Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) expressed dismay and strongly condemned alleged molestation incident, which it described as “both tragic and unacceptable”.
TUD through its media cell said that individuals involved have not only violated the dignity of a woman but also threatened the basic sense of safety that every citizen deserved.
TUD demanded that justice be delivered swiftly and without compromise. It also urged the authorities to pursue a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible were held fully accountable under the law.
Expressing solidarity with the victim and her family, the TUD reaffirmed its commitment to speaking out against violence, defending the rights of women, and upholding justice in the society.
WCMA: Vehemently condemning the “deplorable incident” of alleged molestation, the Western Chakhesang Mother’s Association (WCMA) said that “this appalling act has deeply shocked and anguished the members of WCMA.”
Terming the incident as “alarming”, the association said that incident taking place in broad daylight raised serious concerns about the safety of women even in public spaces. “Based on the circumstances, it appears that the crime may have been premeditated, with the auto driver potentially complicit in the act,” WCMA maintained.
WCMA said that violence against women, which has long-lasting and damaging consequences, was not only a violation of human rights but also an affront to the dignity and security of all women.
The association has, therefore, urged the law enforcement agencies to take swift and strict action against the perpetrator(s) involved. It said that any compromise or leniency in such cases would set a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar crimes in the future.
Meanwhile, the association has expressed appreciation to the passersby who intervened and helped apprehend both the accused and the driver.
WCMA affirmed solidarity with the victim and reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice, safety, and dignity for all women.
TWUD: Tenyimi Women Union Dimapur (TWUD) has expressed outrage and over the alleged molestation to one of its sisters in a moving autorickshaw.
Stating that it was committed to advocating for justice, equity and community welfare, the TWUD said it was “appalled by this cowardly act.”
The union asserted that exploitation of a vulnerable women and minors in transit underscored the urgent need for stricter enforcement of public safety measures in transportation services.
TWUD also affirmed solidarity with the victim and her family. It demanded that the law enforcement authorities take immediate and uncompromising action to investigate the crime and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice without delay.
SKK: All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) expressed outrage over the incident and said it strongly condemned “this immoral and inhumane act”.
In a press release, SKK president Gihuka K Zhimo and Toshika K Kiba demanded that justice be served without delay and that the accused be given the maximum punishment and set a precedent for potential offenders.
Describing the incident as a gross violation of human dignity and women’s safety, the SKK stressed the need to take stringent measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Extending sympathy and support to the victim, SKK urged the responsible authorities to provide her with all necessary assistance and support.
Meanwhile, SKK reiterated its commitment to upholding the SH resolutions, which prohibited the usage of Sümi names and titles by non-locals, who did not belong to the Sümi Naga community by blood. SKK warned any non-local using Sumi Naga names or surnames without legitimate claim to desist from such practices immediately. It also cautioned that failure to comply would result in severe consequences.
WNYF: Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) expresses its deepest outrage over the “appalling incident” and demand “strictest punishment under the law for the accused”.
WNYF through its interim convenor Aga Rengma also cautioned the authorities and the general public of a dangerous trend, non-Naga individuals adopting or using Naga indigenous names to mask their true identities, defaming communities, and tarnishing the sanctity of Naga people’s identity.
WNYF also demanded that the investigating agencies and judiciary pursue the matter with utmost seriousness and ensure that justice was not diluted under any pretext.
The youth body said that the gravity of the crime warranted exemplary punishment. WNYF also stressed that sanctity of Naga indigenous identity must be legally protected from its misuse by outsiders for criminal camouflage.
WNYF affirmed to defend the honour and safety of Naga people, especially women.
DNSU: Condemning the reprehensible alleged act of molestation and assault, the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) said the incident was a grave affront to human dignity and an alarming indicator of the deteriorating safety of women in the society.
DNSU through its president Hinoto P. Aomi and general secretary Michael Kath demanded immediate and decisive action from the administration and law enforcement agencies. DNSU also demanded the authorities to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of were apprehended swiftly and brought to justice without any delay.
Asserting mere condemnation was insufficient, DNSU said tangible demonstration of the administration’s commitment was required to protecting its citizens, especially the vulnerable.
DNSU affirmed its unwavering solidarity with the victim and her family.
WCYO: Western Chakhesang Youth Organization (WCYO) also strongly condemned the “brutal and heinous incident”, which described was not only a case of sexual assault but also a grave offense of kidnapping and abduction, warranting immediate and stringent action.
WCYO through its president Wekupe Therie demanded that the law enforcement agencies conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that justice was served.
WCYO also appealed to the Dimapur District Auto Drivers’ Union (DDADU) to take serious note of the incident and sensitize its drivers.
WCYO also appealed to the community to stand united against such heinous crimes and work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all.
CSUD: Chakhesang Student’s Union Dimapur (CSUD) strongly condemned the incident and demanded the law enforcement agencies to expedite the investigation.
Taking serious note of the incident, CSUD through its president Vesülhü Ringa and general secretary Husuve Lohe said that incidents of such magnitude has been occurring frequently especially in the urban and sub-urban areas.
The union said it would not be a mere spectator when such incidents were happening in the state.
Demanding the responsible authorities to award befitting punishment to the perpetrators, the union also affirmed solidarity with the victim, family and her village.
Meanwhile, the union appealed to the state government and home department to convened a meeting with its enforcing agencies and review the cases over the years and take measures, which would help prevent such tragic incidents.
WCU: Western Chizami Union (WCU) expressed shock and outrage over the incident and said that “this detestable act” was not merely an assault on an individual but a direct affront to the dignity and safety of every woman in the community.
Stating that Nagas have historically been recognized for their peaceful environment and respect for women, the union, however, said that alarming increase in such violent incidents threatened to erode the fundamental aspect of Naga identity.
WCU through its media cell has urged the law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators faced the full force of the law, with exemplary punishment.
The union also supported the Sümi Hoho’s resolution and rejected any claim of Naga identity by individuals who were not of genuine Naga descent.
Meanwhile, WCU expressed solidarity with the victim and her family.
CWSK: Chakhesang Women Society Kohima (CWSK) has expressed shock over the incident and strongly condemned the despicable act committed with malicious intent to outrage her modesty.
CWSK through its president Neikhwepeu Khalo and general secretary Meneno V. Rhakho said the incident was a serious violation of the human rights of women, and a sad reflection of the society where the dignity, safety, and security of women and girls in their own homeland were in jeopardy.
The society has appealed to the responsible authorities to conduct thorough investigation and award befitting punishment to the perpetrator/s.
It also expressed solidarity with the victim and prayed for her speedy recovery.
ZYOD: Zeliang Youth Organization Dimapur (ZYOD) expressed outrage and condemned the incident, which it maintained reflected the growing lawlessness and moral degradation in the society.
The youth body through its media cell demanded the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators faced the full force of the law.
The organisation also urged the responsible authorities to enhance patrolling and surveillance to prevent such crimes in the future.
It reiterated the Chakhesang civil society groups’ demand for fast-track investigation and deliver justice without delay.
ZYOD expressed solidarity with the victim and Chakhesang community and urged all sections of the society to stand against such atrocities.
DRYO: Vehemently condemning the incident, Dimapur Rengma Youth Organisation (DRYO) demanded strict action against the accused.
DRYO through its media cell also demanded that law enforcement agencies conduct thorough investigation and ensure justice was served to the victim and society.
DDADU: Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (DDADU) through its president Tito Yeptho condemned the incident and demanded the responsible authorities to properly investigate and deliver justice.
DDADU informed that the autorickshaw in question was hired by the accused from rail gate no.1 to be dropped at 4th Mile.
The union assured to take action against autorickshaw driver if he was found guilty.