Demand speedy trial in Wilfred case, crimes against women and children
Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUN 19 (NPN): Thousands of people mostly women in traditional attires on Friday participated in a peaceful public rally organised by the tribal women bodies of Kohima, calling for justice in cases involving crimes against women and children and expressing concern over delays in the ongoing sexual harassment case involving suspended IDAN officer Reny Wilfred.
The public rally, held at Old MLA Junction, concluded with participants marching to Raj Bhavan to submit a memorandum to Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav.
Delivering the keynote address, Angami Women Organisation (AWO) president and convenor of the rally organising committee, Neithono R. Sothu, said the programme was the outcome of extensive consultations among tribal women bodies amid growing concern over incidents of sexual harassment, molestation and rape in the state.
She said the gathering was not directed against any individual but was a collective call for justice, accountability and the protection of the dignity and rights of women and children.
Emphasising that crimes against women and children must not go unnoticed or unpunished, she called for a justice system that inspired public confidence. Referring to several recent crimes reported in the state, Sothu urged the authorities to ensure speedy investigation and trial of such cases and sought exemplary punishment for offenders in accordance with the law.
She also referred to the 2021 POCSO case involving Wilfred, relating to the alleged molestation of two minor girls during his tenure as deputy commissioner (DC) Noklak, and noted that the matter remained pending despite provisions under the law calling for expeditious disposal of such cases.
Further, Sothu referred to the FIR registered in April 2025 accusing Wilfred of sexually harassing women employees during his tenure as joint secretary of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN). She expressed concern that the trial had not progressed despite the filing of a chargesheet and urged the judiciary to ensure timely adjudication of the case.
Speakers from various tribal and civil society organisations echoed similar concerns and called for accountability, protection of victims and speedy justice.
Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam, Kohima vice-president Shaan Khiamniungan, said no individual should be above the law regardless of status or position and urged the government to treat the matter with seriousness.
Yimkhiung Women Organisation vice-president Athsang Yimkhiung expressed concern over the delay in the case, while Kohima Ao Telongjem president I. Moanungsang described sexual harassment as a societal issue that affects the safety and confidence of women.
Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) general secretary Vipu Zashümo expressed solidarity with the victims and called for the matter to be resolved without further delay.
NSF information and publicity secretary Pithungo Shitio said the federation had been pursuing the issue for more than a year and reiterated its support for the victims. He urged the authorities to ensure that justice is delivered.
Speaking at the rally, David Kire, who has been associated with IDAN since its inception, said he could not comment on the merits of the case as it was sub judice but expressed confidence that the legal process would take its course. He also highlighted concerns regarding the employment status of contractual staff and alleged that some complainants and their supporters had lost their jobs after the allegations surfaced.
Kohima Lotha Hoho chairman K.N. Mhonthung condemned crimes against women and called for stronger awareness programmes, victim support mechanisms and the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure timely disposal of cases.
A memorandum addressed to the Governor was read out by Sumi Totimi Hoho vice-president Kavitoli Zhimomi Jakhalu on behalf of the tribal women bodies. The memorandum expressed concern over delays in the sexual harassment case and urged that the trial be conducted in a fair and time-bound manner.
The organisations also sought speedy disposal of recent cases involving crimes against women and children, stating that delayed justice weakens public confidence in the rule of law.
Pochury Women Organisation finance secretary Sierhetshü Phoji proposed the vote of thanks, while City Church Kohima associate pastor Zajamo Odyuo offered the invocation.