Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCT 23 (NPN): The Nerhema Women Organisation (NWO), along with other local organisations, held a peaceful protest rally at Chiephobozou on Friday, demanding justice in an alleged rape case involving Ruokuotuolie Rüpreo of Chiechama village.
Carrying banners with the message “We Demand Justice”, the protesters marched from Nerhe Model Village to Chiephobozou, where a brief programme was held at the Chiephobozou Town Council office.
In her keynote address, NWO president Videnuo Tsürho said the alleged crime had deeply hurt the women of the village and women at large. She urged the public to unite against crimes targeting women, warning that such incidents could leave women feeling unsafe while travelling to fields, going outdoors or using public transport.
Tsürho called for stringent punishment for those found guilty and said such offenders should not be allowed to undermine the safety of law-abiding citizens. The protesters later marched to the additional deputy commissioner (ADC) office and submitted a memorandum demanding that the accused be booked under relevant stringent provisions of the law. They also urged that no organisation or individual shield, harbour, influence or seek a compromise on behalf of the accused.
The memorandum called for a speedy and impartial investigation, early filing of the chargesheet and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law, with exemplary punishment as warranted.
It also demanded compensation for the victim under the Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme, along with immediate psychological counselling and medical support. The organisations further sought improved public transport safety measures, including routine breathalyser checks for drivers, and strict protection of the victim’s identity and privacy.
Expressing solidarity with the victim and her family, the organisations assured them of moral, legal and social support while upholding their confidentiality and dignity.
They warned that any delay or denial of justice would compel them, along with the frontal organisations of Nerhema village, to intensify their democratic agitation. They also appealed to civil society organisations, women’s groups, student bodies and citizens across Nagaland to condemn the alleged crime and collectively demand justice.
Questioning how such an alleged crime could occur in a state regarded as one of the safest for women, the organisations stressed the need for speedy justice, stating, “Safety and dignity of our daughters must be ensured.”
Those who addressed the rally included Nerhema village council chairman, presidents of Nerhema youth and sports organisation, Nerhema students’ union, Northern Angami women organisation-C and Northern Angami women organisation, and Chiephobozou Town Council chairman. The programme was chaired by Nerhe model village women organisation president Neilatuonuo Rülho.