DIMAPUR: Nagaland Alliance for Children and Women Rights (NACWR), Dimapur Sümi Council (DSC) and Western Sümi Youth Front (WSYF) have expressed grave alarm and outrage over the recent sexual assaults on minors in Niuland and Dimapur.
In a condemnation note, NACWR president, Azungla Imsong noted that while the case of a 14 year old girl remains unresolved in court, two fresh cases have emerged in Niuland and Dimapur districts — involving the assault of a 7 year old child and a 16 year old minor resulting in pregnancy. The organisation termed these crimes “heinous” given the extreme vulnerability of the victims and the grave abuse of trust.
NACWR stressed that such acts are not issues of religion, region or tribe, but stem from individuals who disregard the law and compromise community safety. It warned that failure of leaders and authorities to enforce laws strictly erodes public faith in the justice system.
Condemning the assaults in the strongest terms, NACWR demanded immediate investigation and prosecution in all pending and new cases, stronger enforcement of the POCSO Act and related laws, and prompt government action to restore public confidence.
The alliance called upon civil society groups, community leaders and citizens to unite in adopting a zero tolerance approach to sexual violence, asserting that the safety and dignity of women and children are “non negotiable.”
Dimapur Sümi Council (DSC) has also expressed shock and outrage over the horrific sexual assaults on two minor girls in Dimapur, terming the incidents “demonic and barbaric acts” that have no place in a civilized society.
DSC quoting police reports, stated that Saddam Hussain (33), a labourer from Old Showuba, was arrested on June 6 for the alleged assault of a 7 year old girl, while Raiz Uddin (32), a resident of Ekranipathar Gaon Bura Colony, was arrested on June 3 for the alleged assault of a 16 year old minor.
Appreciating the swift action of Nagaland Police and Women Police Station in apprehending the accused, DSC demanded fast track trial under the POCSO Act and exemplary punishment, stressing that the perpetrators must face the harshest penalty possible. It further urged that no bail or legal leniency be granted.
The council also called upon authorities and welfare departments to provide immediate medical, psychological and legal assistance to the victims and their families. While commending the police, DSC emphasized that arrests alone are not enough, and urged the community to stand united against such social evils to ensure absolute safety for children.
DSC reaffirmed its solidarity with the victims and families, vowing to closely monitor the progress of the cases until justice is delivered.
Meawwhile, WSYF has expressed grave outrage over the horrific sexual assault and rape of two minors in separate incidents in Niuland and Dimapur districts. In a statement, WSYF said it was “gravely appalled” by the assault of a 7 year old child by Saddam Hussain at Niuland and the rape of a 16 year old minor by Raiz Uddin Islam at Dimapur.
WSYF stated that it stood firmly against the criminal mindset of individuals from outside the state who, under the guise of making a living, abuse Naga hospitality and take shelter in Nagaland
Noting that the “heinous acts” committed against the two innocent children must not be diluted or forgotten, the youth body demanded that the perpetrators must face the strictest forms of punishment.
WSYF said the community stands for the dignity and safety of women and children, and declared that such acts are “entirely unacceptable.”
The youth body demanded capital punishment for the two accused, Saddam Hussain and Raiz Uddin Islam, and urged the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to execute swift and merciless justice without hesitation or leniency.
WSYF asserted that society will not harbour or tolerate barbaric individuals, stressing that there is “no room for negotiation, compromise or remorse.” It warned that anyone threatening the peace and safety of the people would be prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law.
The organisation lauded law enforcement agencies for their swift action in apprehending the culprits and extended solidarity to the victims and their families, assuring unwavering support and protection. WSYF reiterated zero tolerance stance against such societal evils, declaring that perpetrators “will find no refuge and no mercy on our soil.”
