NTC, APO condemn reported sexual assault incidents

DIMAPUR, OCT 31 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) and Angami Public Organisation (APO) have strongly condemned two reported cases of sexual assault in Kohima district, including the alleged rape of a female passenger by a taxi driver in Chiephobozou/Nerhema area and the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl by her biological father.
In a press release, NTC president C Pankathung Lotha and general secretary C Onen Walling said the incidents had sent shockwaves through Naga society and tarnished its image and reputation. The council expressed deep concern over the alleged crimes and called for justice for the victims through both state laws and Naga customary laws and traditions.
NTC appealed to the state government and custodians of customary laws to take action against those responsible without fear or favour. The council said the application of customary laws, alongside the state’s legal framework, would reinforce accountability and ensure that perpetrators were punished. NTC said it was particularly disturbing that such crimes were being reported despite the social and institutional mechanisms in place to protect women and children. It urged the authorities to enforce the rule of law and ensure that those responsible did not escape accountability.
Meanwhile, in a separate press release, APO president Thejao Vihienuo and general secretary Keneilesa Neikha said the organisation had learnt through media reports and other sources about two alleged incidents under the Chiephobozou administrative circle.
APO expressed grave concern over the alleged rape of a woman in a taxi, stating that public transport vehicles were expected to ensure the safety, security and dignity of passengers, particularly women and children. It said unregulated and unsafe taxi services that endangered commuters should not be allowed to operate.
The organisation urged the concerned authorities and taxi unions to ensure proper verification of drivers’ antecedents, introduce safety protocols and strengthen monitoring of taxi services to prevent such incidents.
On the reported case of sexual abuse within a family, the APO said a home should be a place where children were nurtured and protected, and described the alleged act as a betrayal of a child’s trust and dignity. APO said such conduct was alien to Angami culture, Naga customary ethos and Christian values, and had no place in society.
APO, describing the incidents as deeply disturbing, expressed solidarity with the victims and condemned all forms of molestation, rape, incest and sexual abuse. It said those accused of such grave offences should not be allowed to roam freely and demanded that law enforcement agencies investigate both cases impartially and deliver justice without delay.
The apex organisation of the Angami community also appealed to village councils, range organisations, youth and women’s organisations, churches and the public to remain vigilant and work collectively to protect the safety and dignity of women and children.