Beyond Tribe: DENSU seeks justice in alleged minor sexual abuse case

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 30

The Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union (DENSU) on Saturday called for a fast-track investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl in Dimapur and urged authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other applicable laws.

Addressing a press conference here, at Hotel Grand Tizu, DENSU President Thongule Sangtam said the victim had come to Dimapur for her studies and was staying under the guardianship of a family.

Referring to the minor’s statement, he alleged that the abuse began last year after she started residing in the household of the accused and his family.

According to Sangtam, the child alleged that she was repeatedly summoned late at night and subjected to abuse. He further claimed that the acts escalated from “molestation to sexual penetration” and had continued over an extended period.

Sangtam stated that information received by DENSU from what it described as reliable sources, including details of the medical examination, indicated repeated sexual abuse. 

He further alleged that an associate of the accused was involved in molesting, harassing and threatening the child. According to information cited by DENSU, the minor was allegedly subjected to intimidation, including threats with a firearm.

The student body said the case came to light after teachers and members of the school’s child protection committee reportedly noticed changes in the student’s academic performance and behaviour.

Following counselling, the matter was reported to the Child Helpline, which rescued the child on May 23 and placed her under the care of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

DENSU claimed that although the matter was reported on May 23, no immediate action was taken, allowing the accused time to seek legal relief. The organisation questioned why a zero FIR was reportedly not registered when the case first came to the attention of the authorities and said it was seeking clarity regarding the sequence of events that followed.

The union further stated that it had initially learned that the FIR was registered as a case of sexual assault. However, after making inquiries, DENSU said it was informed that the allegations also involved sexual penetration and had been preparing to seek appropriate additions to the case before the accused’s anticipatory bail was cancelled and he was subsequently taken into custody.

Responding to media queries regarding the number of persons allegedly involved, DENSU said that, based on information it had verified from the victim’s statement and other sources, one accomplice had so far been identified in connection with the case. The Union urged law enforcement agencies to investigate all persons involved and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Also speaking at the briefing, DENSU General Secretary Sheren Shiu described the case as an issue that transcends tribal and community boundaries.

“This is not just about a Chang girl. It is not just about an Eastern Naga child. This is about all Naga people. It has become an issue of basic humanity,” she said.

Shiu appealed to citizens across communities to unite in support of the victim and ensure that the matter is pursued through due legal process. She also urged authorities to ensure that the law is applied equally regardless of a person’s social or political standing.

The student body further called upon the police to conduct a thorough investigation and take action against all individuals found to be connected to the alleged abuse. It also appealed to the Naga People’s Front (NPF) to take appropriate action against the accused.

Addressing reports of a possible compromise between the accused and the victim’s family, DENSU dismissed the claims as “propaganda” and maintained that it would not permit any compromise in the matter.

The DENSU informed that the minor remains under the care of the CWC and that her parents are being accommodated in a protected environment, making reports of any settlement unfounded.

DENSU also announced plans to introduce a physical verification mechanism for students coming to Dimapur from other districts for educational purposes. The proposed initiative would include registration, periodic monitoring and welfare checks of students residing with guardians or host families.

Reaffirming its commitment to the case, DENSU said it would continue to monitor developments and seek regular updates from the authorities. The union, along with its parent body, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), federating units and supporting organisations, urged citizens and civil society groups to come forward in support of efforts aimed at securing justice for the minor and preventing similar incidents in the future.