•Sir-Of late, crime against women in Nagaland is on the increase- murder and rape, to which is also included the silent crime against women- domestic violence. However, amidst the recent deluge of crimes, this one stands out (rape of pregnant woman), if only for its gruesome act. It is an irony that while there are proclamations made about the supposedly safe, honourable and elevated status of Naga woman as compared to her counterparts in other states, we show little or no concern for her honour and dignity. This heinous crime is a dishonour to all Naga men!! Has the customary law protected the honour of Naga women?
We must remember that a rapist not only violates the victim’s privacy. But it is almost impossible for the victim to recover fully and lead a normal life. In this context I find it hard to dispute that rape is as bad as murder. And I don’t think there should be a debate on that. I am sure the first reaction for many people on hearing the news was that the rapists should be castrated, given death penalty or something worse. We are not short of imagination. But should a barbaric act compel one to support an equally barbaric act? Does one wrong justify another? Punishing the rapist would not rehabilitate him, at best; it would only serve to prevent that particular person from raping again. It wouldn’t prevent the potential rapists in the making.
We have to accept that rape is not just a criminal problem; it is a social problem with underlying psychological dysfunctionality. No rapist ever entered this world intending to become a rapist. One needs to shoulder greater responsibility and introspect how we teach our children to treat girls with respect. If you respect your mother and sister you must respect all mothers and sisters. If you rape a woman you are raping all mothers and sisters!!!!
SHAME ON THOSE TRYING TO PROTECT THE RAPIST

Moala,Concerned citizen
from Mokokchung.

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