Women’s orgs slam lack of progress in IDAN alleged sexual harassment case
DIMAPUR, APRIL 27 (MExN): A host of tribal women’s organisations in Nagaland have expressed pain at the lack of progress in the alleged sexual harassment case at IDAN, even after more than a year has passed.
This was expressed in a joint statement by the Angami Women Organisation, Watsu Telen Kohima (WTK), Chakhesang Mothers Association (CMA), Pochury Women Organisation Kohima (PWOK), Rengma Mothers Association Kohima Unit, Kohima Chang Sao Thangjem, Khiamniungam Menyiu Hoikam, Kohima (KMHK), Kohima Lotha Eloe Ekhung (KLEE), Kohima Sumi Totimi Hoho (KSTH), Tikhir Women Union Kohima(TWUK), Phomla Hoichem Kohima Unit (PHKU), Akehta Sangtamlarü Thsingmüjang (AST), and Yimkhuing Women Organisation (YWO).
They reminded that these are serious allegations that cannot be brushed aside as “offence like these strike at the very core of the dignity, safety and trust within our institutions.” “It is appalling and disturbing that despite serious allegations against the accused, Reny Wilfred, justice seems to be far for the victims, which emboldens perpetrators across our society who continues to harm others without fear of consequences,” the organisations stated.
They found it “especially concerning” that, although a chargesheet has reportedly been filed, there has been “little visible movement” in the case since then. “Such delays only add to the trauma of the survivors and erode public confidence in the justice system. In cases like these, justice delayed risks becoming justice denied,” they added.
The organisations viewed that at a time when survivors are finding the courage to come forward, institutions must respond with sincerity, urgency and accountability. “Any attempt to dilute, delay or sideline such matters sends a damaging message not only to the survivor, but to society at large,” they cautioned.
While acknowledging the prevailing provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 wherein the procedural law governing trials and adjournments in Criminal proceeding is specifically laid down; the organisations hoped that trial is taken up immediately on daily basis and any adjournments hereto maybe limited to exceptional cases only.
“As the provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 are clear when it comes to offences of this nature, the law must be allowed to take its full course in a manner that is fair, transparent and free from any external pressure, influence or vested interests,” they stated.
The organisations further demanded that the accused should not be reinstated or allowed to resume any official position until the trial is fully concluded. “Reinstating him at this stage would undermine the integrity of the process and could affect the course of justice,” they stated.
The women’s organisations demanded that the judiciary deliver swift delivery of justice, one that is transparent, impartial and time-bound. “There must be no room for any interference or delay and that justice is delivered under relevant laws to ensure that our justice system must never be compromised,” they stated.
