Memorandum on crisis of crimes against women and children in Nagaland
Tribal Women Bodies of Kohima
Kohima
We, the undersigned citizens representing various Tribal Women Organisations write this memorandum to voice our grave concerns over the recent developments and the continued attempts to delay the proceedings in the sexual harassment case involving the then IDAN officer Reny Wilfred, IAS. The persistent delay tactics resorted to by the accused coupled with the repeated entertainment of such applications have deeply saddened and alarmed our community. The continued prolongation of the proceedings, despite the filing of the charge sheet strikes at the very foundation of a fair and expeditious justice delivery system and risks fostering a sense of impunity among perpetrators across society. It may be reminded that sexual offences, especially when allegedly perpetrated by individuals in position of public trust, violate not only the dignity and rights of the victim/survivors but also damage the integrity of public service. The rule of law is deemed to ensure that those in authority does not influence or interfere with the investigation process/any judicial proceedings and that administrative impartiality is maintained. Hence it is imperative that the judiciary act decisively and without delay.
At recent times when incidents of sexual harassment and violence against women and children have become increasingly alarming, there is an urgent need for stronger protection of the vulnerable and a justice system that inspires public confidence.
It may be mentioned that the accused in the present case was alleged to have been involved in molestation of two minor girls during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Noklak. A case in this regard was registered as NLK P.S. Case No 08/2021, under section 354/511/376 IPC and under section 8 and 10 of POCSO ACT 2012. It may also be mentioned that trial in such cases under POCSO Act are mandated to be complete within one year from the court takes cognizance of the offence and which regrettably remains pending and unresolved to this day even after a lapse of five years.
Yet again, an FIR No. SCPS No. 01/2025 was filed on 02/04/2025 against Reny Wilfred for sexually harassing women employees under his authority as Joint Secretary in Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) further compounding the trauma and injustice already inflicted. Following the lodging of the FIR, all the victims who courageously came forward to speak out against their harassment have since been removed from their contractual employment and remain unemployed to this day, while the accused continue to employ every possible tactics to delay the proceedings and evade accountability. Instead of receiving protection and support, the girls have been subjected to hardship and economic insecurity for having raised their voice against injustice.
We are profoundly disturbed that despite the filing of the charge sheet, the trial has remained at a standstill owing to the delay tactics repeatedly resorted to by the accused. Even more alarming is the reality that such inordinate delays in the administration of justice embolden perpetrators across society, fostering a sense of impunity and allowing them to continue inflicting harm without fear of legal consequences.
At this juncture, we deem it pertinent to highlight the sequence of events which, in our considered views, demonstrate the manner in which the proceedings have been delayed.
1. An FIR was registered on 02.04.2025
2. Subsequently, the accused filed Writ petition No. 10/2025 before the Hon’ble High Court seeking quashing and setting aside of the FIR. The said writ petition was dismissed.
3. Thereafter, the accused preferred an appeal before the Hon’ble Supreme Court challenging the order of the Hon’ble High Court. The appeal was dismissed too.
4, Undeterred, the accused again approached the Hon’ble High Court by filing Criminal Revision Petition No. 16/2026, challenging the dismissal order of the discharge petition passed by the learned District and Sessions Judge, Kohima and to the surprise of all right thinking citizens, the Hon’ble High Court admitted the petition, though the earlier Petitions were dismissed by both the Hon’ble High Court and the Supreme Court of India.
5. The victims were summoned to appear and depose before the learned Sessions Court on 9/6/2026. However, at the eleventh hour, the matter was adjourned and rescheduled to 14/7/26 in view of the pendency of the aforesaid Criminal Revision Petition.
The repeated recourse to successive legal proceedings and the consequent postponement of the trial have resulted in further delay in the administration of justice, causing deep anguish and concern to the victims and the community in large.
In view of the gravity of the allegations and in the interest of ensuring a fair and impartial and expeditious trail, we hereby place the following Charter of Demands:
1. That no further willful delays be permitted in the proceedings and that the trail be conducted in a fair, impartial and time bound manner.
2. That, pending the final adjudication of the case, the accused should continue to be kept under suspension and should not be reinstated, posted or entrusted with any official duties or responsibilities in any department of public office whatsoever.
3. That in the event of his conviction under the relevant provisions of law and in addition to such exemplary punishment as may be permissible there under, the accused should be allowed to work under the Government of Nagaland under any capacity and should be permanently barred from holding any public office or positing in Nagaland.
Hon’ble Sir, we also draw your attention to the recent incidences of crimes against women and the girl child.
1. A minor was raped repeatedly in Dimapur by her local guardian and his accomplices.
2. A minor was harassed by a 40-year old Church leader in Kohima.
3. A grandmother was raped in Kiphire by a law enforcer.
4. A minor was raped by a truck driver.
We condemn all these incidences in one voice and demand that all the perpetrators of these heinous inhuman crimes should be awarded exemplary punishment according to law at the earliest.
We also demand that all these cases be disposed of expeditiously as the inordinate delays in legal proceedings and the failure to convict perpetrators within a reasonable time have contributed to the rising incidences of crime.
We firmly believe that the prompt and impartial administration of justice is indispensable to upholding public confidence in the rule of law and safeguarding the dignity and security of women and children in our society and therefore most respectfully submit this Memorandum seeking your personal intervention in these matters and deliver justice to the people at the earliest.
Signatories:
• N Chumchanbeni Kikon Odyuo, President, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Kohima
• Alemla Mary, Vice- President, Watsu Telen, Kohima
• Lily Kent, President, Kohima Rengma Nza Logwa
• Virhosa Nyusou, Joint Secretary, Pochury Women Organisation, Kohima
• Piholi Swunetho, President, Sumi Totimi Hoho, Kohima
• Shaan Khiamniungan, vice president Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam, Kohima
• Achumla Sangtam, Vice President Akehta Sangtamlarii Thsinghmüjang
• Esiupeule Chuilo, President, Zeliang Women Organization Kohima
• Tsuvishi, Assistant General Secretary, Tikhir Women Union, Kohima
• Neikhwepeu Khalo, President, Chakhesang Women Society, Kohima and
• Locham Khango, Treasurer, Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong
• Amenla Chang, Vice President, Kohima Changsao Thangjam
• Y Yungmei Phom, President, Phomla Hoichem, Kohima,
• Athsangla Yimkhiung, Vice President, Yimkhiung Women Organisation & Co-Convenor, Rally Organising Committee
• Neithono R Sothu, President, Angami Women Organisation & Convenor, Rally Organizing Committee
Memorandum submitted to Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav by the Tribal Women Bodies of Kohima on July 19.
