NCD President GK Rengma (Centre), NWHD President Y Imlinungla (Second from left) and DUCCF President Zasivikho Zakiesato (second from right), alongwith others at the press conference in Dimapur on June 5.
• ‘Allow police conduct their investigation’
• DENSU submits 11-point memorandum
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 5
Civil society organisation (CSO) in Dimapur, led by the Naga Council Dimapur, asserted that they will not remain silent until justice is served in the minor sexual abuse case in Dimapur. Addressing a press conference in Dimapur, CSO leaders representing the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD), Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Gaonbura Union Dimapur Sadar (GBUDS), and Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), appealed to the public to maintain calm, and allow the police to conduct their investigation.
“Till justice is given to our daughter, we will not keep quiet,” Zasivikho Zakiesato, President of the DUCCF said, while appealing for calm. According to him, contrary to speculation, the CSOs have not been silent on the latest minor sexual abuse case to rock Dimapur.
Terming it “a dark period for all of us,” he urged the public to avoid stigmatising the victim or associating the crime with the community of the accused.
Highlighting the need for public restraint, GBUDS President W Kholie Kapfo acknowledged the public anger was justified. However, he said that it does not call for taking the law into its own hands.
The alleged sexual abuse of a minor came to light on May 23 and a police complaint was filed on May 25. As initially reported by The Morung Express, the complaint was filed by the Chang Union Dimapur, on behalf of the victim. The case was registered under Sections 64, 65, 71 and 74 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)/Indian Justice Code, and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Two persons were subsequently arrested by the police, main accused Watimeren Jamir alias O Wati Jamir and an accomplice identified as Tsuktimongba.
“We are here to collectively state that the Dimapur CSOs are closely monitoring every aspect of this case to ensure justice is delivered,” said NCD President GK Rengma. He addressed speculations of a series of protest rallies, including the cancelling of one proposed by the Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union (DENSU). He said that the DENSU called off the protest in the interest of public safety and peace. “We highly appreciate their mature decision,” he added.
Regarding the police hunting for a rumoured third accused, Rengma said that it all boils down to the victim's statement to the police and investigation.
NWHD President Y Imlinungla said that the victim was under the safe custody and care of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), where she is receiving professional counselling, and academic support to write her upcoming examinations. She called for more reporting of sexual abuse cases instead of remaining silent. While stating more reporting of cases would serve as a deterrent for potential predators, she added that awareness should start at home.
The CSO leaders further requested the public to refrain from sharing details about victims of sexual crimes on social media platforms to protect the privacy and future of the victims.
They expressed their endorsement of the 11-point memorandum submitted by the DENSU to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Nagaland on June 4.
The DENSU memorandum included— constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) supervised by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General; investigating the source and legality of an alleged firearm connected to the case; examining all individuals with direct or indirect knowledge of the incident; and prosecuting anyone who aided, abetted, or attempted to suppress the crime. The memorandum also demands the apprehension of any absconding accused, that the prosecution vigorously oppose bail applications, the provision of adequate protection for the victim's family, strict confidentiality of the victim's identity, and firm action against any attempts to obstruct the investigation.
The CSOs stated that they remain in constant contact with the authorities, and are awaiting the filing of the charge sheet in court.
