DEMANDING JUSTICE

Mass protest demands urgent justice for April 7 rape and murder victim

CSOs urge govt to mobilize all resources to ensure arrest of perpetrators

Morung Express News
Mhaikham | April 11

A sustained public outcry and outpouring of sympathy for the victim of the April 7 suspected rape and murder hung in the air, four days after the brutal crime. 

On April 11, civil society organisations submitted a memorandum to the state government demanding swift justice while implementing measures curbing crimes against women. 

It was submitted to the ADC, Jalukie following a protest-cum-solidarity rally at Mhaikam village, which witnessed a huge turnout of people. The rally was called by the frontal Zeliangrong organisations and supported by various other Naga civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including but not limited to the Aqahuto Area Students Union, Aqahuto Area Sumi Mothers' Association, Aqahuto GB Association, Tenyimi Union Dimapur, Tenyimi Youth Organisation Dimapur, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Diphupar Ao Youth Organisation, Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation, Western Nagaland Youth Front. 

Swift arrest of all involved in the crime, and dispensing punishment commensurate to the crime was what reverberated at the rally. 

“What happened to our sister is an assault on humanity. The perpetrators must be served exemplary punishment. We have gathered here not only for demanding justice, but also to show our anger against an act of brutality that has claimed the life of one of our sisters,” said Wigam Nring, President, Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN).  

Nring assured the unyielding support of all right thinking citizens to the family of the victim in the fight for justice, stating, “We extend our solidarity to the family of the victim. You are not alone, we are all with you.” According to him, the ZBN will continue to monitor the inquiry process and will ensure that justice is served. 

Apeuna Iheilung, President, Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland (ZMON), while assuring support of the organisation, held that the crime could be a reflection of engendered gender bias in the Naga social fabric. “We live in a society where when a male child cries, he is told not to cry like a woman,” she held. According to her, inherent disparity in gender rights may be one of the causes of crimes against women. 

Adaube Hiekha Hau, President, Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN) urged the government to treat the case with urgency, while ensuring the mobilization of all resources to arrest the perpetrators.. According to him, a clear message must be sent that those, who show no regard for human life, will face the full force of the law.

The lifeless body of the victim, a vegetable vendor by profession and around 35 years of age, was discovered on the evening of April 7, half clothed and throat slit at a secluded area in Pimla village, Chümoukedima. She left behind a 10 year-old school-going son. The police maintained a tight cloak of secrecy around the investigation. But, as per independent sources, as many as 8 individuals, including the husband of the victim, have been detained and interrogated by the police. 

The memorandum, containing a 6-point set of demands, was jointly submitted by the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland, Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation, Zeliangrong Students' Union Nagaland, Zeliangrong Youth Organization Nagaland, Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland, and Mhaikam Village Council. While the organisations expressed “extreme outrage and condemnation,” they expressed a desire to discuss and collaborate with the government authorities on preventive measures.

CSOs’ Demands

•    Immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrator(s) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
•    Thorough and impartial investigation.
•    Enhanced security measures, including deployment of additional police personnel and a special task force for crimes against women and children.
•    Support and compensation for victim's family, including financial assistance and counseling services.
•    Action against any officials or individuals found negligent or complicit in the incident.
•    Implementation of preventative measures, such as awareness programmes, community policing and strengthened laws to protect women and children.

Jointly submitted by Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland, Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation, Zeliangrong Students' Union Nagaland, Zeliangrong Youth Organization Nagaland, Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland, and Mhaikam Village Council.