Dimapur, February 25 (MExN): The alleged assault of trainee nurse in the Dimapur District Hospital (DHD) premises on February 24 has elicited widespread outrages across Nagaland.
The Dimapur police detained one person in connection with the incident based on a complaint filed by the hospital authority.
Meanwhile, tribal organizations, students' unions, professional associations, and other groups have unequivocally condemned the incident. They have demanded justice for the victim and urged authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
They also expressed their unwavering solidarity with the victim and their family, vowing to stand by them until justice is fully served.
CSU: The Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) condemned the incident as a “despicable act” and expressed concern over its occurrence in a place meant for healing and care.
“Such an incident is deeply alarming and demands swift and stringent action from the concerned authorities,” it noted calling for a thorough investigation and ensuring that the perpetrator, along with any other individuals involved in the crime, face the full force of the law without delay.
It also urged civil societies, student bodies, and all right-thinking individuals to stand united against such barbaric acts, demand immediate justice and urged the authorities to strengthen security measures in public institutions.
CSUD: The Chakhesang Students' Union, Dimapur (CSUD) termed incident as an “attempt to rape and murder” and demanded most stringent legal action against the accused. It further stressed that it would not tolerate or cooperate in any way with any individual or group attempting bail the accused.
The CSUD also commended the swift progress of the investigation and the cooperation of the medical department, while urging the law enforcement agencies to achieve a prompt and satisfactory outcome.
DNSU: The Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) condemned the incident as completely unacceptable, underscoring that it undermines the fundamental values of safety and respect, especially within educational and healthcare institutions.
It also lauded the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur for apprehending the accused as per the available CCTV footage and the ongoing investigation as well as intervention and assurance of stringent punishment against the accused by the Health and Family Welfare Minister, P Paiwang Konyak.
However, it urged the authorities to ensure that the motive behind the attack is thoroughly investigated and justice is served to the victim.
The Union also called upon the authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future and urged the public to come together in solidarity to create a safer environment for everyone.
KSU: The Kutsapo Students' Union also expressed outrage over the incident, demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and the imposition of strict punishment in accordance with the law. “We urge the authorities to take immediate action to ensure justice is served to the victim and her,” it added.
SNDHD: The principal, faculty, staff and students of the School of Nursing, District Hospital Dimapur (SNDHD ) also condemned the brutal assault of its student with uniform while on duty’ inside the hospital premises.
Such behavior disrupts students' ability to practice and serve in a safe environment, the SNDHD asserted, urging the law to take swift action and impose the harshest punishment on the perpetrator to prevent further incidents.
SNAN: The Student Nurses’ Association of Nagaland (SNAN) also condemned the incident in the strongest terms, stating that the act has profoundly shaken the nursing community.
Expressing concern for the safety of nursing students and healthcare workers, it emphasized that hospitals should be places of healing, not fear and called on hospital administration and law enforcement to strengthen security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
It also urged authorities to conduct a swift investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
TNAI: Condemning the incident, the Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI) Nagaland Branch stated that violence is not only an attack on an individual but a threat to the safety and dignity of all healthcare trainees and professionals.
It underscored that that such acts must be met with strict consequences to deter future occurrences, urging law enforcement to act promptly, hold the perpetrators fully accountable, and ensure justice is served.
The association also called on relevant authorities to implement stronger protective measures for students and healthcare workers.
TNAI Dimapur: The TNAI Dimapur Unit expressed concern over the growing prevalence of such social evils and urged all sections of society to strongly condemn the "brutal behavior." It called on law enforcement agencies to take stringent action against the culprit and impose a vigorous punishment to set a deterrent example for the future.
UTNA: The Unemployed Trained Nurses Association (UTNA) also condemned the violent assault, urging hospital authorities to implement immediate security measures and improve working conditions for both students and staff to prevent similar incidents. It further called for decisive legal action against the perpetrators and for justice to be swiftly served to the victim. The UTNA also appealed to the media and public to respect the victim's privacy and dignity during this difficult time and acknowledged the swift response from the Health Minister and senior officials, who visited the victim and the hospital the same day.
VOY: The Voices of Youth (VOY) condemned the incident as "reprehensible" and demanded immediate legal action against the perpetrator to ensure justice for the victim. It urged hospital authorities and law enforcement to implement strict measures to prevent future incidents and called on society to unite against violence against women in any form.
WCH: Expressing outrage over the "reprehensible crime," the Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) stated that the incident was not just an attack on an individual, but an assault on the fundamental values of society.
It condemned the act unequivocally, noting that it not only undermines the dignity and safety of women but also tarnishes the integrity of the entire community.
The WCH expressed concern over the "alarming security lapses within the hospital premises," calling for immediate and thorough attention.
It urged law enforcement and the police to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expeditious investigation, including looking into any potential involvement of accomplices and other related issues.
The WCH also conveyed its commitment to ensure justice and that the victim receives the necessary support from the government and authorities. It further demanded the "immediate termination" of the alleged culprit’s service and swift legal action.
This matter is of utmost seriousness, and the WCH vowed to not rest until justice is delivered, it added.
WCMA: The Western Chakhesang Mother's Association (WCMA) described the incident as "shocking and disheartening," highlighting the alarming reality that women are unsafe, even in broad daylight and within their workplaces.
Condemning the heinous crime as intolerable, the WCMA urged law enforcement to take strict action against the culprit under existing laws. " Any compromise or leniency towards offenders will set a dangerous precedent, emboldening culprits and leading to a surge in crimes against women,” it added," it cautioned.
The association called for the termination of the alleged culprit's service if found guilty and urged greater vigilance to ensure the safety of staff, particularly women.
It also commended the hospital and police for their swift action in apprehending the offender.
WCYO: The Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation (WCYO) also sought “exemplary justice” against the alleged culprit and said that it would not leave any stone unturned to ensure delivery of justice.
The organisation stated that it would not tolerate any ill-treatment or injustice towards its people and would closely monitor the justice process to ensure a fair trial. In this connection, it urged the Government to ‘cautiously and act immediately.’
WNYF:The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) condemned the incident as a grave violation of human rights and breach of trust in the workplace.
It demanded strict action against the perpetrators and urged the hospital and law enforcement to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation.
WNYF also called for enhanced security measures, stricter background checks, and a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and violence.
The organization noted that this incident should prompt all institutions to prioritise the safety and dignity of employees, especially women, and pledged to ensure justice for the victim and a safer society for all.
