State BJP Mahila seeks NCW intervention in POCSO case

DIMAPUR, JUN 3 (NPN): BJP Mahila Morcha Nagaland has submitted a representation to the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi, seeking urgent intervention in connection with the alleged sexual assault and prolonged abuse of a 14-year-old minor girl in Dimapur.
In the representation, BJP Mahila Morcha Nagaland unit president Tsachola Rothrong and general secretary Phomisonla Chang strongly condemned the alleged abuse and stated that the incident had shocked the collective conscience of the people of Nagaland and triggered widespread outrage and demands for justice.
The organisation stated that the victim had been entrusted to the care and guardianship of the primary accused for pursuing her education in Dimapur and had reportedly been residing at his residence in Lengrijan, Dimapur for nearly two years.
The representation noted that the primary accused, O. Watimeren Jamir alias O. Wati Jamir, was a former president of the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU), former general secretary of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and a practising advocate. It also pointed out that he had since been suspended from the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and relieved of his post as general secretary (Central).
According to the representation, the victim was allegedly subjected to repeated penetrative sexual assault over a prolonged period of nearly two years. It further alleged that the accused recorded the acts on video and used threats of exposure and violence to silence her.
The Morcha also referred to the arrest of a second accused, Tsuktimongba Ao, on May 31, and stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation into all perpetrators, accomplices and the full extent of the alleged crimes, including any larger network involved.
The organisation commended the intervention of Child Helpline Dimapur, Women Police Station Dimapur, Chang Union Dimapur, Dimapur Eastern Naga Students’ Union, other student bodies, tribal organisations and concerned citizens in facilitating the victim’s rescue and reporting of the case. It stated that the victim was taken into protective custody on May 23, an FIR was registered on May 25, the primary accused surrendered on May 27 and was remanded to judicial custody, while the second accused was arrested on May 31.
Seeking intervention from NCW, the Morcha urged the commission to take suo motu cognisance of the matter, constitute an inquiry committee under Section 10 of the NCW Act, 1990, and closely monitor the investigation and prosecution in coordination with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Nagaland State Commission for Women.
It also sought detailed action taken reports every 15 days covering the status of investigation, forensic examination of digital and electronic evidence, medical and DNA reports, preservation of electronic records and compliance with timelines prescribed under the POCSO Act and BNSS.
It further requested that the victim’s statement under Section 164 BNSS be recorded in a child-friendly environment with the appointment of a support person as mandated under POCSO Rules and sought a fast-track trial in a designated POCSO Special Court.
The Morcha stressed that the investigation and trial should be conducted in a thorough, impartial, professional and time-bound manner without any influence arising from the social, professional, political or organisational standing of the accused persons.
It also called for strict protection of the victim’s identity, privacy and dignity, while ensuring continuation of her education in a safe environment.
The organisation sought comprehensive support for the victim and her family, including free legal aid, medical care, trauma-informed psychological counselling, rehabilitation, educational continuity, compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme, Nirbhaya Fund or other appropriate schemes, as well as adequate witness protection measures.
Further, it urged a thorough examination of all circumstances surrounding the case, including any larger network of accomplices, handling of digital evidence, lapses in informal guardianship arrangements and systemic gaps that may have enabled the alleged abuse.
The Morcha urged NCW to advise the state government to urgently formulate guidelines for verification, registration, monitoring and accountability mechanisms in informal guardianship arrangements involving minors in collaboration with educational institutions, student bodies, churches and tribal organisations. It also called for greater sensitisation of parents, guardians, educational institutions, churches, tribal organisations, student bodies and civil society to strengthen protective mechanisms against child exploitation and abuse.
Reiterating its solidarity with the victim and her family, the Morcha urged the NCW to ensure expeditious justice, victim support, witness protection and necessary systemic safeguards, while reaffirming the nation’s zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against children.