Hundreds of people, mostly womenfolk, staged a peaceful protest march from Heningkunglwa check gate to Ngwalwa forest check gate on Wednesday, expressing their anguish over the rape and attempted murder of a 26-year-old woman by one Benjamin Terieng at Ngwalwa village in Peren district on September 8, 2023.
The protestors were seen banner and placards that read: “All lives matter, Say no to rape”, “Respect the gender who gave you birth”, “Real man don’t rape, only coward rape”, “Stop rape”, “ Stop violence against women” etc.
Addressing the gathering, Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland president Apeuna Iheilung emphasised women breaking their silence on such heinous crimes.
She observed that, despite awareness about the provisions under IPC, there was a worrying silence that perpetuated such crimes. She also criticised victim-shaming tactics such as highlighting the woman’s alcohol consumption, insisting that it should never be used to justify the crime. “Leaders are here to voice out on behalf of the victims,” she declared.
Considering the gravity of the crime, Apeuna stressed that forgiveness, while deeply personal, should neither be tied to financial compensation nor downplayed in the light of the heinous acts like rape.
Condemning the incident, Kochuiding Michui Poilwalui chairman voiced his concern over the serious nature of the victim’s injuries, which might stop her from resuming a normal life again.
He termed the incident not merely a rape, but also an attempted to murder, and hence called for a befitting punishment for the perpetrator.
Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organisation president Kevipele Iheilung, who also participated in the protest, drew attention of the protesters to the Zeliangrong customary laws. He argued that traditional punishments such as ostracisation might be inadequate for such a grave crime and declared “This is a crime so heinous that normal law alone is not sufficient to punish this man.”
GB Association Peren district president Kwetlungying Chuilo underlined the significance of respecting women and urged the authorities to administer exemplary punishment to the culprit, while encouraging the community to uphold Christian values, ensuring such vile acts did not take root.
Zeliangrong Baudi Assam, Manipur, Nagaland president K Akhang also condemned the incident and expressed his dismay. He opined that individuals lacking moral or civic sense could not be truly called human and implored women to resist such crimes, promising them unwavering support.
The rally was organized by Northern Zeme Women Organisation, the rally called for ensuring swift justice to the victim.
Earlier, the invocation was pronounced by Heningkunglwa Baptist Church pastor Rangumsign Thou, vote of thanks by Poimi Students’ Union Ngwalwa Town Area president Asap Zeliang and benediction by Ngwalwa Town Baptist Church pastor Heileulung Iheilung.