Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) and PRO Dimapur Police, Khekali Y Sumi addresses the 16 Days of Activism 2025 event held at Town Hall, Zone Niathu by The Park Chümoukedima on November 29. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | November 30
A meagre 11% of domestic violence complaints received this year at the Women Police Station, Dimapur were converted and registered as FIRs, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dimapur Khekali Y Sumi said.
The remaining 89% were “resolved through compromise,” she highlighted, underscoring persistent gaps in addressing crimes against women and children.
Sumi was speaking at the afternoon session of the 16 Days of Activism 2025 on Gender-Based Violence held at Town Hall, Zone Niathu by The Park Chümoukedima on November 29, she also dismissed the romanticised notion of “elopement for love” often associated with missing or runaway cases involving women and children.
In reality, 90–95% of such incidents arise from unsafe or unstable home environments, she noted, drawing from 2025 statistics for Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland.
On a positive note, she added that 92% of missing-person cases were resolved.
Drawing on her 26 years of service, Sumi highlighted systemic issues such as weak institutional coordination and community interference.
In one instance, a young mother fleeing domestic abuse was given shelter at the Sakhi One Stop Centre but her children’s welfare was overlooked because the Child Welfare Committee was not involved. She eventually returned to the police seeking further assistance.
“When 31 One Stop Centres exist, their purpose must be fulfilled,” she maintained.
In another case, a minor girl’s report of sexual assault by a neighbour was obstructed when the village council imposed a Rs 50,000 penalty on the accused and pressured the family not to pursue legal action.
The FIR was eventually registered after police intervention.
Five pillars of criminal justice
The DCP, who is also the PRO of Dimapur Police, outlined the five pillars of the criminal justice system—police, forensic sciences, judiciary, prosecution, and prisons, and emphasised public support at every stage.
She explained the police role in collecting physical, biological, documentary, and digital evidence; the importance of forensic labs in examining it; and the responsibility of prosecutors in court.
She recommended appointing special prosecutors for sensitive cases involving violence against women and acknowledged the crucial advocacy role of NGOs.
On prisons, she said the new legislation replacing colonial-era laws prioritises rehabilitation, with 70–80% of prison function focusing on reform through counselling and life-skills training.
However, she observed that many cases in Nagaland continue to be settled informally, undermining both justice and rehabilitation.
Calls for mindset change
Meanwhile, Sumi offered three personal suggestions to for long-term mindset transformation to address gender-based violence.
These were professional training for Sunday school teachers to engage children early on values and awareness; creating a dedicated “men’s department” in churches to address men’s emotional and behavioural development; and prioritising spiritual formation over entertainment-oriented church activities to nurture responsible, grounded individuals.
“Shifting mindsets is essential to tackling violence against women,” she said, urging communities, institutions, and individuals to work collectively toward a safer environment for women, girls, and children.
The event, held under the theme “Empowering Women, Eliminating Violence,” was organised by Prodigals' Home in collaboration with Peren Touch and Sankalp-DHEW Mission Shakti, Chümoukedima, with support from the North Eastern Council, as part of the global UNiTE campaign against violence toward women, including digital abuse.
The day-long event also featured presentations, speeches as well as sharing of testimonies and experiences from women across different walks of life and other stakeholders.
