Dimapur, June 18 (MExN): Several organizations have expressed outrage over the alleged rape of an 82-year-old woman in Kiphire district, with the accused being a serving police personnel.
The incident, the NSCW stated as a “barbaric and unforgivable assault on womanhood,” has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum, with demands for swift justice and the strictest punishment under law.
The case involves the alleged sexual assault of an octogenarian at Kiphire, with a police personnel, an individual “entrusted with the duty to uphold the law and protect citizens” as the prime accused.
The NSCW, in a statement, said the alleged crime was “not only a grave violation of human dignity but also a betrayal of public trust.”
“When those sworn to safeguard the vulnerable become perpetrators of such heinous crimes, it undermines the very foundation of justice and erodes the confidence of the people in the system meant to protect them,” the Commission said.
The Commission called upon competent authorities to ensure the accused is “dealt with strictly in accordance with the law” and that the “severest punishment prescribed for such crimes is applied without delay.”
It also appealed to citizens to remain “vigilant and proactive,” asserting that “silence and indifference enable such crimes.”
The Commission expressed concern over the “alarming rise” in crimes against women and children, stressing that such incidents demand “decisive and uncompromising action”. It reaffirmed its commitment to pursue justice for the survivor and her family, and to advocate for “stronger measures to ensure that such heinous acts are neither repeated nor tolerated.”
Deputy Chief Minister, Planning & Transformation and National Highways, TR Zeliang termed the incident “deeply disturbing and a matter of grave concern,” saying the accused's status as a police officer made it “even more appalling.”
“Such a betrayal of public trust is unacceptable and must be dealt with firmly. I unequivocally condemn this disgraceful act and urge that the accused be brought to justice swiftly and in accordance with the law,” Zeliang said in a post on X.
Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak also expressed horror over the incident, saying it was “deeply disturbing that even a woman aged over 80 years is not safe from such brutality.”
“The perpetrator must be swiftly brought to justice and awarded the strictest punishment as per the law. Violence against women, regardless of age, is an affront to humanity and cannot be tolerated,” Konyak posted on X.
The Senior Citizens' Association Nagaland (SCAN) expressed "grave concern" over the reported incident involving an 82-year-old woman, stating that it had learnt of the matter "with deep concern and distress."
The association said it "strongly condemns all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and indignity inflicted upon senior citizens," adding that any act threatening the safety, dignity and well-being of older persons is "a matter of serious concern and deserves the utmost attention of society and the authorities."
While noting that the matter is under investigation and the facts are yet to be established through due process of law, SCAN urged the concerned authorities to conduct a "thorough, impartial and expeditious investigation" so that "the truth is brought to light and justice is meted out in accordance with the prevailing law."
The association also appealed to the authorities to ensure that the elderly survivor receives the necessary medical care, psychological support, protection and any other assistance required during the investigation.
Further, SCAN called upon citizens, community leaders, civil society organisations and the media to "uphold the dignity and privacy of the elderly person" and refrain from actions that could prejudice the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the NZPO said it was "deeply shocked and disturbed" by the alleged offence.
Condemning the incident, the NZPO described the alleged offence as "heinous" and said it had "deeply hurt the entire Zeliang community."
Referring to Zeliang customary law, the organisation stated that even pulling a woman's clothes without her consent is considered rape and attracts excommunication from the village for a specified period.
It further termed the alleged offence "not just a crime against one individual but an attack on human dignity of a civilized society."
The NZPO demanded the "immediate suspension and dismissal" of the accused from active service and called for an impartial investigation to ensure that the accused is punished "with stringent punishment as per the provision of law."
It also stated that the organisation stands firmly with the victim and her family and is prepared to cooperate with the investigating agency whenever required.
