Various organisations, including deputy CM, NMA, Ao Senden among others have condemned the recent death threat on Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü.
Dy CM: Deputy chief minister Y. Patton said that having learnt of the threat on the life of Prof. Dzüvichü, police department swung into action and arrested the alleged individual in Dimapur. Patton lauded the cyber crime branch, PHQ for working in close coordination with commissioner of police Dimapur for their timely action, and also directed the department to conduct thorough investigation, bring justice to the aggrieved and award stringent punishment to the perpetrator.
He pointed out that much hatred and negativity was being spread through social media which needed to be curbed. Patton called upon everyone to condemn such abominable acts which bring shame upon society.
NMA: Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) strongly condemned the death threat on its adviser Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü by one WJ Longkumer, stating that the vicious, vulgar language of sexual violence and murder was highly condemnable.
NMA said the perpetrator’s reference to women reservation issue had brought back sharp memories of the threats and violence faced earlier by NMA leaders and women of various tribe organisations. It categorically stated that inciting violence once again against its adviser and other women activists was diabolical in nature and indicated a conspiracy to threaten and intimidate strong women voices that articulated rights for peace, equality and justice.
NMA appealed to law enforcing agencies to thoroughly investigate and ensure: (1) due legal action against the individual for his hateful and vulgar death threat; (2) legal accountability against administrators/moderators of the two social media platforms where the objectionable post was made– “Unified Naga Land for Christ” and “The Chronicles of Nagas”; and (3) adequate protection for Prof. Dzüvichü and other women activists facing intimidation.
The statement was issued by NMA president Vilanuo Angela Yhome, vice presidents Apeuna Iheilung and Malsawmthangi Leyri; advisors- Padma Shri Sano Vamuzo and Abeni TCK Lotha.
Ao Senden: Ao Senden, on behalf of the Ao Naga community, strongly condemned the Facebook post by W.J. Longkumer in the group “Unified Naga Land For Christ” against Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü.
Ao Senden president Marsanen Imsong and general secretary Imtipokyim said that no sane person in a civilized society would stoop so low to issue a lunatically motivated death threat against a mother, sister, respected social leader and revered teacher.
Ao Senden stated that in Naga society women had their respected position irrespective of status, and that this dignity had been upheld from time immemorial. It asserted that in a democratic society, warnings, derogatory language or death threats would never deter people from pursuing their vocations and professions.
It further said those inciting hatred and violence against fellow human beings, especially against women, were unfit to live in a civilized society and should be punished under the law and confined either in prison or in a lunatic asylum.
Ao Senden therefore urged law enforcing authorities to nab, book and punish the perpetrator at the earliest. It also cautioned that for bringing infamy to the Ao Naga community in particular and hurting the sentiments of citizens in general, the organisation would accord befitting punishment as per Ao customary laws.
AWO: Angami Women Organisation (AWO) said it was deeply disturbed and strongly condemned the death threat and derogatory language directed at Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü by one WJ Longkumer on Facebook.
AWO president Neithono R. Sothu and general secretary Atono Kense said Prof. Dzüvichü was a respected scholar and social activist who had tirelessly advocated for the rights and dignity of women. It described the act as not only a personal attack on an individual but also an attack on the values of democracy, equality and freedom of expression that formed the foundation of society.
AWO maintained that such cowardly intimidation to silence women’s voices weakened the very spirit of justice and inclusion. To threaten a woman for exercising her right to speak, it said, reflected a regressive mindset that had no place in a civilized society.
The organisation urged authorities to take cognizance of the seriousness of the matter, initiate thorough investigation and ensure exemplary action against the accused. It also stressed the need to ensure safety and protection of Prof. Dzüvichü and to firmly deal with such anti-democratic elements under the law.
AWO reaffirmed its solidarity with Prof. Dzüvichü and asserted that threats and violence would not deter or silence women from participating fully in democratic processes. It said women must be free to speak, advocate and lead without fear, and that any attempt to undermine this would be strongly resisted and condemned.
NSCN (I-M): NSCN (I-M) said it was shocked and appalled at the viral Facebook post by WJ Longkumer in the group “Unified Naga Land for Christ,” wherein he used vulgar and profane language against Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü for standing up for women’s democratic and human rights.
It said such language was a direct attack on women’s dignity, modesty and character, which was not acceptable in Naga society.
NSCN (I-M) clarified that the individual in question was in no way connected to NSCN, and said it was compelled to issue clarification after the person shamelessly tried to associate himself with the organisation. It further warned that for his recklessness to bring NSCN in bad light, the group would deal with him in a befitting manner.
NSCW: Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) strongly condemned the act of W.J. Longkumer for issuing a death threat post against Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü, a renowned academician and social activist, accompanied by derogatory and vulgar remarks.
NSCW said such misogynistic behaviour was appalling and unacceptable in any civilized society.
It expressed concern that individuals with regressive mindsets continued to exist, showing ignorance of the true meaning of feminism, which it said was restorative, fair and just, and stood for equality, dignity and justice—values that strengthened society.
Viewing the incident with utmost seriousness, NSCW urged authorities to investigate and book the culprit at the earliest and ensure befitting punishment as per law so that such acts were not repeated. NSCW said such threats and vulgarities not only violated the safety and dignity of Prof. Dzüvichü but also sent a chilling message to all women who spoke out for justice. It reiterated that women had the right to live, work and express themselves without fear, intimidation or abuse.
Watsü Mungdang: Apex body of Ao women, Watsü Mungdang, strongly condemned the vulgar, malicious and life-threatening post against Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü and other feminists. Watsü Mungdang president Tianaro and general secretary T. Narola Longchar said the objectionable post in the Facebook group “Unified Nagaland for Christ” by W.J. Longkumer was an attempt on life and a cowardly bid to silence a woman who had dedicated her life for social uplift and justice.
It asserted that the right of freedom of expression never included the right to threaten another person’s life and warned that it would not tolerate any form of intimidation or violence against those working for society’s betterment.
Watsü Mungdang declared solidarity with Prof. Dzüvichü, stating that an assault on one was an assault on all—on every mother, sister and daughter of the land. Hate speech and death threats, it said, could never be tolerated in a just and civilized society. The organisation held the individual accountable for his words and actions and demanded that the law take its full course.
NWHD: Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) said it was shocked and strongly condemned the death threat issued against Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü by W.J. Longkumer on Facebook.
NWHD described Prof. Dzüvichü, advisor to Naga Mothers’ Association, as a respected figure and stalwart in women’s leadership whose tireless efforts had significantly contributed to the upliftment and empowerment of Naga women. It said the derogatory and threatening remarks were unacceptable and a direct attack on the dignity and safety of all Naga women.
Stating that issuing such a threat openly on a public platform was deeply concerning, NWHD said such cowardly, shameless and criminal behaviour must be treated with utmost seriousness. It urged authorities to take immediate and appropriate legal action against the perpetrator.
NWHD expressed solidarity with Prof. Dzüvichü and said threats, intimidation or violence against women would not be tolerated under any circumstances. It further urged all citizens to condemn such acts and uphold the safety and dignity of women.
KUD: Kudawhi Union Dimapur (KUD) strongly condemned the recent vile and cowardly Facebook post by W.J. Longkumer directed at Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü. It said the use of abusive language and death threat against her was not only an attack on her as an individual but also an affront to the dignity and safety of every Naga citizen.
KUD stated that while there were unverified reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged arrest of the culprit, such a grave matter demanded official clarity and accountability from the authorities concerned. It said silence or inaction would only embolden such elements and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
Therefore, KUD demanded that the authorities make an official statement regarding the status of the accused, ensure that due legal process was swiftly carried out with exemplary punishment, and guarantee the safety and protection of Prof. Dzüvichü and all individuals facing threats of violence and intimidation.
The union said it stood in unwavering solidarity with Prof. Dzüvichü and called upon all right-thinking citizens to condemn such shameful and cowardly acts. It added that freedom of thought, speech and personal safety must be protected at all costs in a democratic society.
ASTD: Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the recent threat and attack on Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü, adviser NMA through a Facebook post.
ASTD said Prof. Dzüvichü had been a consistent and dedicated advocate for women’s rights and reservation, working tirelessly to promote equality, justice and empowerment for women in society. It stated that any attempt to intimidate or insult her was not only an attack on her as an individual but also an affront to the dignity of all women striving for equality and justice. Terming such acts unlawful and shameful, the union said it reflected a complete disregard for values, respect, equality and responsible citizenship.
The union said it stood firm and united in its commitment to protect and uphold the dignity and rights of women. It called upon the cyber crime police and other competent authorities to take swift and effective action to investigate the matter and ensure accountability under the law, adding that threats, intimidation and abuse—whether online or offline—had no place in a society that valued justice and equality.
Further, ASTD emphasised the importance of responsible use of social media, which it described as powerful tools for communication, learning and sharing knowledge. However, it cautioned that such platforms must not be misused to spread fear, hatred or disrespect. While every individual had the right to express opinions, ASTD said such expression must not harm or intimidate others.
The union also expressed full solidarity with Prof. Dzüvichü and every woman who spoke up for justice, equality and rights. It reminded that acts of intimidation against women were not just personal attacks but affected the values, dignity and harmony of society as a whole. It further urged that social media and other public platforms be used as spaces for connection, learning and positive change rather than fear or division.
ALT: Ao Lanur Telongjem (ALT) expressed deep shock and indignation at the cowardly death threat issued by one WJ Longkumer through a Facebook page against Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü.
ALT convener Imnaonen Pongen and co-convener Tia Longchar said it had taken serious note of the vile and appalling language used in the threat, which it stated was too disgraceful to be repeated. It termed the act utterly reprehensible and deserving of censure, condemnation and firm action under the law.
Describing Prof. Dzüvichü as a distinguished educationist and respected social worker, widely recognised for her tireless advocacy of Naga women’s rights, particularly in her role as adviser to the Naga Mothers’ Association, ALT said she was an epitome of strength, intelligence and integrity, and continued to serve as a beacon of inspiration for countless Naga women and girls.
It strongly denounced the unwarranted and malicious threat made against her and affirmed its full solidarity with Prof. Dzüvichü, assuring every possible support in the pursuit of justice.
ALT also called upon the law enforcement authorities to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and to thoroughly investigate the case, including the background, activities and intent of the individual, so that exemplary punishment could be delivered by the court. It said setting a strong precedent was essential to ensure such cowardly acts of intimidation were neither tolerated nor repeated in society.
AKM: Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) strongly condemned the Facebook post in the group “Unified Naga Land for Christ” by one Walu Longkumer, which contained abusive and death-threatening language against Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü.
AKM president Lanutoshi Aier and general secretary Satemmongba said such vile, violent and cowardly attacks had no place in a democratic and civilized society, adding that the use of derogatory and threatening language against a respected academic and activist was an assault on values of dignity, peace and mutual respect.
It expressed unwavering solidarity with Prof. Dzüvichü, describing her as a courageous leading voice for gender justice and peace within Naga society. AKM maintained that intimidation and threats would never silence those who worked for truth and justice.
It called upon authorities to take immediate action against those responsible to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of such acts. The students’ body also urged citizens to reject hate, violence and abuse, and instead uphold respect, justice and peace.
NSF: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) strongly condemned the death threat and derogatory statements directed against Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü, respected social activist and NMA adviser. The federation said it was deeply disturbed by these cowardly and malicious acts which sought to intimidate and silence a prominent voice of the Naga women’s movement.
NSF NSF vice president Vimeyiekho Vitso and general secretary Kenilo Kent viewed both the death threat and the online derogatory remarks as a direct assault on the dignity of Naga women and an attack on democratic values that upheld freedom of expression and the right of every citizen to speak and advocate for social reform. It said such behaviour was not only morally reprehensible but also a violation of laws that prohibited harassment, intimidation, hate speech and online abuse. Allowing such acts to go unchecked, it warned, would embolden further attempts to silence voices of conscience within Naga society.
The federation therefore urged the state government and law enforcement agencies to act befittingly and ensure that the person responsible was identified and prosecuted under relevant provisions of law without delay. It also stressed that adequate protection must be ensured for Prof. Dzüvichü and all women activists who continued to face threats and intimidation in the course of their work.
NSF affirmed its solidarity with Prof. Dzüvichü and the wider community of women leaders who championed justice, equality and peace. It asserted that any attempt to demean or intimidate women leaders was an attack on the very foundations of Naga society. NSF said it stood firm in its resolve to oppose such acts and would continue to defend the voices of women who contributed tirelessly to the progress and well-being of the people.