Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has called for urgent conclusion of investigation against Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) joint secretary Reny Wilfred, accused of sexual harassment.
In a letter to director general of police (DGP), NSF president Medovi Rhi and assistant general secretary Kenilo Kent expressed deep concern and outrage over the continued delay in concluding the investigation against Wilfred, accused of sexual harassment of female employees under his authority at the workplace.
They said it was appalling that despite the gravity of the charges and the trauma inflicted on the victims, the matter remained unresolved, thereby undermining the principle of justice and safety of women in government service.
They emphasised that it was imperative that the case was treated with the seriousness it deserved, and that the dignity and rights of the victims upheld at all costs. Claiming that this was not an isolated case and that Wilfred was allegedly a repeat offender, they pointed out that such continued impunity not only emboldened predators within the system but also shook public confidence in the administration.
They mentioned that they were closely monitoring the developments and would not remain silent should justice be denied or delayed. Declaring that any attempt by political or bureaucratic elements to interfere with or derail the process of investigation would be strongly opposed, the NSF leaders cautioned that any such individuals or entities attempting to shield the accused would be held equally responsible and accountable in the eyes of Naga public.
In the interest of justice, they demanded that the investigation be concluded without any further delay and that necessary action be taken immediately against the accused, based on the findings. They urged the DGP to act with the integrity and urgency that the situation demanded.
DNSU affirms NSF’s stand
The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has unequivocally affirmed the Naga Students’ Federation’s (NSF) stance regarding the unconscionable delay in the investigation into the alleged sexual harassment charge of female subordinates against Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) joint secretary Reny Wilfred.
Sharing the concern of the NSF over the sluggishness exhibited in handling the matter, DNSU president Hinoto P Aomi and general secretary Micheal Kath in a press release said they found it utterly reprehensible that despite the severity of these allegations and the trauma inflicted upon the victims, the investigation had made no headway.
They pointed out that such lethargicness not only constituted a flagrant affront to the tenets of justice but had a corrosive effect on the safety and security of women who worked in the government sector.
They said it was important that the case was treated with all seriousness, ensuring that the dignity and inviolable rights of the victims were protected.
They mentioned that they agreed with the NSF’s assertion that this was not an isolated incident, with Wilfred’s repeated malfeasance underscoring a systemic lacuna that emboldened predatory behaviour, which eroded public trust in the probity of the administration.
The duo declared that stood resolutely in solidarity with the NSF on the case, and would not tolerate any attempt at subverting the course of justice. They cautioned that any individual or entity complicit in shielding the accused from due process would be deemed equally culpable and held accountable by the Naga populace.
In pursuit of justice and equity, the DNSU leaders demanded that the investigation be concluded without further delay, insisting that decisive and immediate action be instituted against the accused, contingent upon the irrefutable findings of the investigation.
They implored the Nagaland Police headquarters to discharge its duties with integrity, promptness, and the wisdom that the situation demanded.