Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUL 18 (NPN): Hundreds of people participated in a protest rally at Sepruoliezie Ground, Ward-9, Medziphema Town, on Saturday condemning the alleged sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl and demanding strict punishment for the accused and justice for the victim.
The rally was organised by Medziphema Town Ward-9 Thenumiapfü Krotho in collaboration with the Ward-9 Goan Bura, chairman and youth.
The alleged sexual assault was reportedly committed by Paominlun Gangte of Maova village, son of Lenthang Gangte, at Tsiepourü Colony, Medziphema Town. On July 17, the Maova Village Council expelled Paominlun from the village under customary law.
Participants carried placards demanding justice for the victim and opposing bail for the accused.
The programme chaired by Petekhrienuo Niphi, was opened with prayer by Anungla Rhitso, associate pastor, SBCMT.
Addressing the gathering, Ward-9 GB Abu-u Kuotsu said the incident had raised serious concerns over the safety of women and children.
While noting that Nagaland was once regarded as one of the safer states for women, he said recent incidents were alarming and called on all sections of society to work together to prevent such crimes.
Ward-9 chairman Abu Medoze described the alleged offence as inhuman and deserving of the strongest condemnation. He warned that if the accused returned to Medziphema, the youth would “take its own course of action”, adding that the incident had brought shame to the community.
Speaking on behalf of Tsiepourü Ward-9, Metsino expressed shock that such an incident had occurred within the locality and urged strict enforcement of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He appealed that no bail be granted to the accused and sought the maximum punishment under the law.
Representing Ward-9 Youth, Mhiesikedo Krose said every child deserved to grow up in a safe environment and urged people not to remain silent against such crimes. He called on the government to ensure punishment proportionate to the gravity of the offence, opposed bail for the accused and encouraged the youth to report suspicious activities.
Representing the Kuki community, L. Hangsing said the gathering was one of grief and shame. Expressing sympathy with the victim and her family, he said while physical injuries might heal, the psychological trauma would remain. He thanked the village authorities for taking prompt action and called on all communities to work together to prevent such crimes.
Representatives of the Medziphema Town Students’ Union and the Gorkha community also expressed concern, stating that if a child was unsafe even inside her own home, it raised serious questions about safety in society.
Speaking on behalf of the Medziphema Town Women Organisation (MTWO), Mesano Krose called for the harshest punishment permissible under law for those found guilty of such offences. She also appealed that the accused should not be allowed to return to the town and assured the victim’s family of the organisation’s support.
An ex-serviceman also expressed anguish over the incident, while speeches were delivered by Thenumiapfü Krotho chairperson Mekhriemeü and Medziphema Village GB Rokovitso Kuotsu.
Later, Medziphema Town Ward-9 Thenumiapfü Krotho submitted a memorandum to the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Medziphema, condemning the alleged sexual assault and appealing for the strictest action under the law.
The memorandum described sexual violence against children as among the most heinous offences and urged a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation. It called for prosecution of the accused and the maximum punishment if found guilty through due process. The organisation also appealed to parents, educational institutions, churches, civil society organisations and community leaders to strengthen child protection awareness and work collectively to prevent such crimes, while reaffirming solidarity with the victim and her family.