Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 9 (NPN): The “Stand With Her” peaceful awareness programme at Dimapur Town Hall on Tuesday, organised by Nagaland NGOs Forum (NNF) and Naga School Alliance (NSA) with support from groups like CAN Youth, Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union, Prodigals Home and Dimapur District Auto Drivers Union, issued a strong call for justice and accountability. Leaders from government, civil society, legal experts, and women’s organisations gathered to deliberate on child protection, the POCSO Act, and broader issues of gender justice and societal responsibility.
A representation containing eight demands, addressed to the governor and chief minister, was also read out. (Full text on p-6)
NNF president Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema, in his opening remarks, stressed that the gathering was not for agitation or publicity but to stand in solidarity with the victim and demand unbiased justice.
He urged Nagas to reflect on their moral values, calling for broader societal thinking and collective accountability from Churches, NGOs, families, educational institutions, and government. Highlighting that the programme was organised within five days, he said it stemmed from a “pricking conscience” and reaffirmed commitment to fair, transparent justice.
Advisor to CM and IDAN chairman, Abu Metha, voiced strong condemnation of the recent incident, describing it as one that brought “pain, shock and horror” across Nagaland. Expressing solidarity with the victim, he assured that law enforcement agencies were actively pursuing the case to ensure justice through a fair and independent investigation. Metha emphasized that while protective laws like POCSO Act exist, they are not sufficient without active societal participation. Urging communities to break silence, he called for vigilance in safeguarding children at home, in schools, and public spaces.
Addressing broader issues of women’s rights and gender equality, Metha questioned whether society’s claims of respect for women matched reality, noting that many continue to suffer in silence due to stigma and fear. He stressed that shame must rest with perpetrators, not victims.
Advocate Limasenla Longkumer, former Child Welfare Committee member, shared her experience in handling child abuse cases, noting that perpetrators were often known to victims. She emphasized that children rarely fabricate allegations and highlighted challenges faced by child protection authorities, including pressure from influential families.
Warning against compromises for reputation’s sake, she urged merit-based appointments in child protection systems, discouraging nepotism and political influence, while stressing that justice must not be undermined by societal pressures.
Esther K. Aye, legal advisor to Nagaland Alliance for Women and Child Rights, highlighted key provisions of POCSO Act, stressing its mandate for compulsory reporting of child abuse cases.
She pointed to systemic failures, including delays in FIRs and institutional reluctance, which often deny justice at the outset. Citing cases of intimidation and social pressure faced by victims, she expressed concern over pending cases and lack of emergency support. Aye urged stronger implementation of laws, institutional reforms, merit-based appointments, and dedicated financial provisions to ensure effective child protection and justice.
Eastern Nagaland Women Organization president Yingphe Konyak, addressing the “Stand with Her” programme, stressed that the recent abuse case was not an isolated incident but a reflection of deeper structural issues such as patriarchy, poverty, silence, and institutional neglect.
She warned that outrage alone was insufficient without tackling root causes, highlighting patriarchy as a key enabler of abuse and urging society to challenge male privilege and silence.
Konyak noted that poverty heightens vulnerability, while silence protects perpetrators, as communities often avoid confrontation. Calling for cultural transformation, she said legal provisions alone cannot ensure justice, urging families, Churches, schools, and institutions to collectively uphold dignity and equality.
Raising concerns over child exploitation, she emphasized that children must be treated as rights holders, not subjected to labour or denied education. Concluding, she urged all sections of society to confront systemic inequalities and ensure a safer future for women and children.
Naga Women Hoho Dimapur president T. Imlinungla, speaking at the “Stand with Her” programme, said the incident involving the minor had shaken society’s conscience and demanded introspection on community responses to abuse.
Stressing that every child deserves dignity, safety, and justice, she questioned whether societal practices silence victims instead of protecting them. Drawing on traditional Naga values and Biblical teachings, she urged collective action to uphold accountability, protect the vulnerable, and ensure justice without misusing traditions to suppress victims.
DENSU president Thongole Sangtam, emphasized that every child deserves a safe and secure childhood free from fear. While acknowledging Nagaland’s reputation for low crime rates against women and children, he warned that such incidents challenge that perception and demand urgent action to restore trust.
Sangtam called for rigorous, sensitive investigations, breaking stigma around reporting abuse, and strengthening safeguards through awareness and education. Stressing that “justice delayed is justice denied,” he asserted accountability must prevail, with no one above the law.
The “Stand with Her” awareness programme in Dimapur was chaired by Vitono Haralu, with an invocation by pastor Kenei Kiso of Life Square Church and a special song by Azu Rudy.
The event featured addresses from leaders including NPF Central Women Wing working president Vikali A. Zhimomi; BJP Mahila Morcha vice president Emi Lotha; NSA member Noune Kire; DMC chairman Hukheto Yepthomi; DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato, and others.