Protestors during the public rally in Kohima on June 19.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 19
Several organizations condemned the accused in the atrocious act of the sexual harassment case and assured to stand together in solidarity with the victims.
Addressing the Public Rally at Old MLA Hostel Junction Kohima on June 19 in protest against delay in sexual harassment cases, organised by Tribal Women Bodies of Kohima, Neithono R Sothu, President, Angami Women Organisation & Convenor, Rally Organizing Committee said, “We are gathered here today to send a clear and unequivocal message; the voices of survivors must be heard, the rule of law must prevail, and no person, regardless of position or influence, should be allowed to evade the due process of law.”
In keynote address, She said that today’s gathering was peaceful, lawful and driven by a shared commitment to ensuring that justice is delivered in a fair, impartial and time bound manner as is clearly stipulated in the relevant Acts.
”This rally is not merely a protest against an individual, but a collective call for justice, accountability and the protection of the dignity and rights of women and children,” she said.
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, Sothu said.
”We stand here united with one purpose, one voice and one vision. It is this shared commitment that has brought us together to raise our voices in solidarity and to support our sisters who have suffered molestation, sexual assault and rape at the hands of those entrusted to protect and safeguard them,” she stated.
We are here today because, we, the general public must evolve to ensure that no form of assault on a child or woman, either physical, verbal or psychological goes unnoticed or unpunished, Sothu added.
Sexual harassment a violation of human dignity
Shaan Khiamniungan, Vice-President, Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam, Kohima said that sexual harassment is a violation of human dignity.
“Power, position and privilege must not place anyone above the law. The law of the land should be equal for everyone,” she said.
Highlighting grievances in connection with Noklak case, she said that the FIR was lodge against Reny Wilfred on ground of sexual molestation in 2021 and the case was registered at Noklak Police Station.
She said that till date the state government has not taken any action in connection with Noklak case and the case is still pending in the court.
She appealed the state government to address the case with utmost urgent and give justice to the victim at the earliest.
Govt must address sexual harassment with seriousness
Moanungsang, President, Kohima Aor Telongjem said that sexual harassment is not just an individual problem, adding “It is a social issue that affects our workplace, school, communities and home. It violates dignity, creates fears, prevents people from living and working in a safe environment.”
He said that Kohima Aor Telongjem will stand together in solidarity with the victims and vehemently condemned “the accused in the atrocious act of the sexual harassment case at IDAN and many places in Nagaland.”
He said that no one should have to live in fear, discomfort, or silence because of another person's actions.
Stating that sexual harassment is unacceptable, he termed it as an attack on the person's right to feel safe and respected.
Stating that silence can allow injustice to continue, he said “Government must ensure that complaints are treated with respect, fairness, and urgency.”
The government must address sexual harassment with seriousness and ensure strong measures for prevention, protection, and justice, he said.
“Justice should not only be a promise, but it should be delivered through fair and timely action. The Kohima Aor Telongjem stands steadfast with our sisters and mothers till justice is delivered as per the law. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he added.
Open a fast-track court in all districts
“All of us are here this morning to express our solidarity to all the sexual assault victims and the families who have been implicated with all this sexual harassment and also to condemn the perpetrators who have committed these very serious crimes,” said K.N. Mhonthung Lotha, Chairman, Kohima Lotha Hoho.
As Nagas, traditionally, we hold women with a very high esteem. We respect our women, We respect our mothers, our sisters and our daughters. We always protect their rights, he said.
But also we have been witnessing so many crimes against the women community. Of late, we have been witnessing that the moral values of Nagas also have been eroding, he said.
“Nagas should rise up. People holding high offices should not use their positions to exploit co-workers and people,” Mhonthung said.
On behalf of the Kohima Lotha Hoho, he impressed upon the state government to open a fast-track court in all the districts “so that justice shouldn't be delayed.”
AYO against immoral activities
Angami Youth Organization (AYO) General Secretary Vipu Zashiimo said that AYO always condemn the immoral activities “that is happening in and around us.”
“Today, we are here not to celebrate someone's life, but we are here to pull out the concerned persons who are involved in abusing our mothers and our sisters,” he said.
Stating that AYO stands to safeguard our land and our people, Zashiimo said “If anything happens to any of our mothers or our sisters, Angami Youth Organization is always there to protect and to stand for you.”
Regarding the Reny Wilfred case, he said “We want to question whether he has some political influence that is shielding and protecting him. And all those responsible persons who are shielding the wrong will face the public wrath one day.”
The rally was also addressed by Athsang Yimkhiung, Vice-President Yimkhiung Women Organisation, Pithungo Shitio, Editor, Naga Students’ Federation and David Kire.
Among the many placards displayed at the Public Rally includes; “A leader who sexually harass is a predator,” “A job should build careers not end them with harassment,” “Protecting him, equal supporting harassment,” “Stop sexual harassment,” “We want justice,” “Your rank is for work not for harassment.”
Earlier, Zajamo Odyuo, Associate Pastor, City Church, Kohima pronounced a prayer. Vote of thanks was proposed by Sierhetshii Phoji, Finance Secretary, Pochury Women Organisation, Kohima.
A memorandum of the Tribal Women Bodies of Kohima, addressed to Nagaland’s Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, was read out by Kavitoli Zhimomi Jakhalu, Vice president, Sumi Totimi Hoho, Kohima.
The Memorandum, which was also submitted to Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and Deputy Commissioner Kohima, was signed by Neithono R Sothu, President, Angami Women Organisation & Convenor, Rally organizing committee, Athsangla Yimkhiung, Vice President, Yimkhiung Women Organisation & Co-Convenor, Rally Organising Committee, N Chumchanbeni Kikon Odyuo, President, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Kohima, Lily Kent, President, Kohima Rengma Nza Logwa, Piholi Swunetho, President, Sumi Totimi Hoho, Kohima, Alemla Mary, Vice- President, Watsu Telen, Kohima, Virhosa Nyusou, Joint Secretary, Pochury Women Organisation, Kohima, Shaan Khiamniungan, vice president Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam, Kohima, Achumla Sangtam), Vice President Akehta Sangtamlarii Thsinghmiijang, Esiupeule Chuilo, President, Zeliang Women Organization Kohima, Tsuvishi, Assistant General Secretary, Tikhir Women Union, Kohima, Locham Khango, Treasurer, Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong, Y.Yungmei Phom, President, Phomla Hoichem, Kohima, Neikhwepeu Khalo, President, Chakhesang Women Society, Kohima and Amenla Chang, Vice President, Kohima Changsao Thangjam,
