Dimapur, September 25 (MExN): An alleged death threat on social media against Prof Rosemary Dzüvichü, Advisor to the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and a prominent women’s rights activist, has drawn unequivocal condemnation from organisations across Nagaland and the country, with calls for strict legal action and security measures for her and others.
The Advisor informed that she received the threat via a social media post on September 24 in a private Facebook group called “Unified Naga Land for Christ” and an FIR has been filed with the Cybercrime Police Station, Kohima.
Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, on September 25 informed that one person identified as Walonir Longkumer (WJ Longkumer) was arrested on Wednesday, the day the complaint was filed. A criminal case has also been registered at Diphupar Police Station and further investigation is underway, it added.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton has lauded the prompt action by the Dimapur Police in arresting an individual allegedly responsible for threat and appreciated the Cyber Crime branch of PHQ for coordinating closely with the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur. He also directed the department to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the aggrieved and stringent punishment for the perpetrator.
He also condemned what he termed as the spread of hatred and negativity through social media, urging the public to reject such abominable acts that bring shame to society.
AKM: The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) also condemned the ‘abusive and death-threatening remarks’ and described them as “vile, violent and cowardly.”
Expressing solidarity with Prof Dzüvichü, the AKM said intimidation will never silence those who work for truth and justice. It urged the authorities to take immediate action against those responsible and called on citizens to reject hate and violence in all forms.
ALT: Such threat with “vile and appalling” usage of language must be firmly dealt with under the law, the Ao Lanur Telongjem (ALT) asserted. Recognising Prof Dzüvichü as a respected educationist and social worker, the ALT denounced the malicious threat and affirmed full solidarity with her.
It also assured every possible support in the pursuit of justice and also urged law enforcement to investigate the case thoroughly and ensure exemplary punishment to ensure strong deterrence.
ALIFA – NAPM: The All India Feminist Alliance – National Alliance of People’s Movements (ALIFA–NAPM) censured the incident as “vile, violent and vicious” intimidation aimed at silencing women who continue to advocate for their rights and political participation.
The Alliance emphasised that beyond the arrest of the accused, the police must take serious cognisance of the FIR filed by Prof Dzüvichü investigate the matter in its entirety, and ensure prompt justice.
It also called for adequate safety and protection for Dr Dzüvichü and her family, as well as other women activists who continue to face similar threats.
Equally, ALIFA–NAPM urged social media platforms to act responsibly by monitoring and removing hate-filled, violent posts before they gain traction.
The organisation further reminded the Government of its obligation to uphold Naga women’s constitutional right to political participation, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2024.
AWO: The Angami Women Organisation (AWO) denounced incident as a direct attack on democracy, equality, and freedom of expression.
Threatening a woman for exercising her right to speak reflects a regressive mindset with no place in a civilised society, it said.
It also urged authorities to take the matter seriously, conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure exemplary action against the accused, while also safeguarding Prof Dzüvichü’s security.
Affirming solidarity, the AWO stated that threats and violence will not deter women from fully participating in democratic processes, and any attempt to silence them will be firmly resisted.
DAYO: The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) also denounced the incident as an intolerable attack on the life and dignity of a respected academic and social activist. Reiterating that wrongdoers should not be shielded by tribe or community, DAYO cautioned youth to use social media responsibly given its sensitivity and existing cyber laws. It expressed solidarity with Prof Dzüvichü and her family, lauded the prompt arrest of the accused, and urged the judiciary to deliver exemplary punishment to prevent recurrence.
DNSU: The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) termed the remarks as a direct attack on the dignity of women and the principles of free expression.
Such intimidation undermines women leaders’ courage and weakens the collective fight for justice and equality, it said urging the the State Government and authorities to act decisively, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure protection for Prof. Dzüvichü and other women activists.
Standing in solidarity with her, the DNSU affirmed that no threat will diminish the resolve of those working for truth, justice, and the rights of every citizen.
GNF: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) condemned the incident in the “strongest and fiercest terms and termed it vile, violent, and cowardly. It said such abuse represents moral decay and an attack on every Naga woman and demanded swift action by law enforcement and urged investigation into reports of the accused’s alleged affiliation with a political group.
KVYO: The Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) censured the incident as “deplorable and regressive” and asserted that such acts are dangerous, intolerable, and must be opposed by all. The KVYO urged authorities to book the accused under the highest provisions of the law to prevent recurrence.
KUD: The Kudawhi Union Dimapur (KUD) denounced the “vile and cowardly” threat as an affront to the dignity and safety of all citizens and demanded swift legal process, and protection for those facing intimidation. Standing in solidarity with Prof Dzüvichü, the Union said that the freedom of speech and personal safety must be protected at all costs.
Lerie Council: The Lerie Council, along with the Lerie Youth and Women organisations, condemned the threat against Prof. Dzüvichü, calling it regressive and wholly unacceptable. It said such acts reflect intolerance and disregard for democratic values. The Council urged authorities to take stringent legal action and affirmed solidarity with Prof. Dzüvichü and all who work for the welfare of society.
NEN: The North East Network (NEN) also denounced what it termed as “death threats and sexualised abuse” targeted at Prof Dzuvichü advocacy for women’s rights and participation in Nagaland’s Reservation policy. Describing the attacks as unlawful, criminal, and an attempt to intimidate women who practice feminism, the NEN called on authorities to provide full protection to Prof Dzuvichü and urged strict legal action against the perpetrators.
NEN affirmed its solidarity with her and asserted that any attempts to silence women’s voices are a gross violation of constitutional rights and a direct challenge to gender equality and feminist principles in society.
NPP Nagaland: The Nagaland State Unit of the National People’s Party (NPP) also condemned the incident a direct “attack on democracy, dignity, and mutual respect.” NPP emphasised that issues must be resolved through dialogue, not intimidation, and urged citizens to denounce such cowardly acts and called for strict legal action against the perpetrator and reaffirmed its solidarity with Prof Dzuvichü.
NSF: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) condemned the acts as cowardly, malicious and an assault on the dignity of Naga women and demanded swift prosecution of the perpetrator, while stressing the need to ensure protection for Dr Dzuvichü and all women activists facing threats.
The Federation also affirmed its solidarity with Prof Dzuvichü and the wider community of women leaders who tirelessly champion justice, equality, and peace.
Any attempt to demean or intimidate women leaders strikes at the very foundations of Naga society, it held, adding that the NSF remains steadfast in opposing such acts and will continue to defend the voices of women contributing to the progress and well-being of the people.
NSCW: The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) denounced the unacceptable “derogatory and vulgar remarks” and asserted that such display of misogyny was directed not only at the NMA advisor but at every woman, young and old. It is distressing that such regressive mindsets persist, reflecting a misunderstanding of feminism, which stands for equality, dignity, and justice, values that strengthen, not weaken, society, it noted.
Viewing the incident with utmost seriousness, the NSCW called upon the competent authorities to investigate and ensure befitting punishment as per the law so that such acts are never repeated.
Women have the right to live, work, and express themselves without fear, intimidation, or abuse, it reiterated.
NSA: Such threat as an affront to democratic values and women’s dignity, the Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) stated. Welcoming the arrest of the accused, it said online harassment and violent rhetoric are unacceptable and erode democratic discourse.
The NSA also urged the authorities to pursue the case with urgency and ensure protection for Prof Dzüvichü and other women leaders, while asserting that cowardly behaviour will not weaken the resolve to uphold justice, equality and dignity. It further called on social media platforms to take responsibility in monitoring and removing threatening content.
NWHD: The Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) also condemned incident as “shameless, misogynistic, and utterly unacceptable.” It demanded immediate legal action against the perpetrator and affirmed full solidarity with Prof Dzuvichü, asserting that intimidation or violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Rotary Club Kohima: The Rotary Club Kohima expressed concern over the derogatory and threatening remarks made against their Charter President and termed acts ‘malicious, cowardly, and an assault on dignity, harmony, and justice.’ While the accused has been arrested, the club urged authorities to ensure justice through due legal process and provide adequate protection for Prof Dzuvichü. Rotary reaffirmed its support for her, stating that intimidation cannot silence voices of truth and courage.
PUCL: What makes the ‘chilling threat’ particularly real and dangerous, is that the post was made in a closed Facebook group with over 10,000 members, stated People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). This increases the risk of inciting others to adopt similar violent methods against Prof Dzüvichü and other NMA members, and “such open incitement to violence” that must be nipped at the bud, it added in a letter to Nagaland Chief Secretary.
Recalling that Prof Dzüvichü was the lead petitioner in a Supreme Court PIL on women’s reservations in urban local bodies, PUCL noted that she and then NMA President Abeiu Meru faced serious life threats in 2017. “This forced them to withdraw as Petitioners from the PIL filed before the Supreme Court and the PUCL impleaded themselves in their place as the issue was an important public policy issue,” it stressed. The case has since been disposed of in July 2024 after a historic ULBs election on June 26. Hence, the PUCL urged the police and Nagaland government to take the threat seriously, prosecute the individual and any accomplices, and ensure security for Prof Dzüvichü and her family.
