Students of Kohima College have condemned the rape of a five-year-old girl.
KOHIMA — Students of Kohima College have condemned the horrific incident on July 9 wherein a 20-year-old fresher of the college raped a five-year-old girl in Kohima.
During an interaction with Eastern Mirror on Friday, the students appealed to the authority to deliver justice to the child and their college as its reputation was tarnished by the accused, who had recently enrolled as a BA first-semester student.
According to the police press statement, the accused identified as Vilie alias Avilie Mere (20) was arrested for the crime committed on July 9 at Tsiesema and the case was registered with the Women Police Station, Kohima.
A fifth-year student from the Economics department of Kohima College expressed shock and disbelief upon learning about the news. She opined that “being educated, the student should have controlled himself” and considered the consequences of his actions before committing such a heinous crime.
While some claimed that perpetrators tend to target women dressed provocatively, the student asserted that it is the mentality of such individuals that was wrong. She asserted that there could be no justification for the assault on a five-year-old girl.
Condemning the crime, the student emphasised that the accused deserved a ‘befitting punishment for tarnishing the institution’s name by carrying out his cruel actions towards a child.’
Expressing concern for the victim, a fresher from the college urged for justice to be served promptly.
The incident, which occurred on July 9, came to their knowledge on August 1, leaving all the students in shock, she said.
As the incident happened days before the orientation programme or first class, the students sought justice for both the victim and the college.
While expressing anger and profound sadness and shock, another female student from the same community of the victim, emphasised the need for justice and condemned the accused for his actions.
The students acknowledged their helplessness but expressed prayers for the victim’s well-being.
In the wake of the incident, the college students have come together in solidarity and urged the authority to deliver justice to the innocent victim.
On August 2, the college authority comprising the principal, faculty, staff and students condemned the heinous crime and urged the law enforcing agencies to ensure exemplary punishment as per the provisions of the law.
It was informed that the accused has been expelled from the college with immediate effect, according to the college principal, Dr. Vitsosie Vupru.
