Staff Reporter
Sechü ZUBZA, SEPTEMBER 21
DESPITE strong deterrent against rape cases happening almost everyday, serious questions were raised whether enough is done or whether strictest punishments were awarded to the rapists so that the society can be freed from such heinous crimes against humanity. And, whether Nagaland continues to be one of the safest places for women in the country has also come under scanner with crimes against women increasing in the State.
These were some of the questions posed before hundreds of rallyists who gathered at Sechü Zubza, the headquarters of Western Angami, on Saturday to protest against the gang rape of a cognitively challenged little girl by two adult youth of Khonoma village on August 31 last.
The two culprits reportedly took the victim to a secluded place in the evening on August 31 at Merhüma Khel, Khonoma village and committed the crime. She went to visit her elder sister who is married and settled at Khonoma village when the incident took place.
The rallyists, numbering over 300 and majority of who were women, gathered under the banner of Mezoma Women Organisation (MWO) to register their resentment and anger over the inhuman act committed on the innocent and helpless child aged around 15 years.
Undeterred by the scorching heat, the rallyists began their ‘silent protest march’ at Sahu Yiese rest house at 10 am and converged in front of the WAPO Hall, adjacent to the office of the SDO (Civil) Sechü Zubza.
Submitting a memorandum to the government through SDO (C) Sechü Zubza after the rally, the MWO demanded for severest punishment to the perpetrators of the crime as per the law of the land.
While appreciating the law enforcing agency for having booked the culprits, the memorandum signed by MWO president Satono Meyatsu and general secretary Kelhouvino Chüsi appealed not to grant bail to the culprits under any circumstances to ensure that investigation is not hampered in any manner.
The organisation cautioned that whosoever stands for the surety of the two accused would be held responsible for any future eventualities.
The memo further stated that “any lackadaisical or leniency shown on the part of the law enforcing agencies will result in public having lost of faith upon the judicial system.”
The MWO, while assuring its fullest support and cooperation in strengthening the due process of law, has urged upon the law enforcing agency to understand the peoples’ sentiments and expedite the case in the interest of justice.
“We are confident and hopeful that our submission will be given due attention and importance, keeping in view our common inspiration, the fundamental and inherent rights deemed for every citizens,” the memo stated.
Addressing the rally, Western Angami Public Organisation president Savilie Kruneilie strongly condemned the inhuman act meted out to the physically and mentally challenged girl. He extended his solidarity to MWO to let peace prevail in our land and also demanded early justice in the case.
MWO member Adeno Kuotsu, while voicing her concern against increasing number of crimes in the Naga society, appealed all concerned citizens to come out strongly against such barbaric act.
“Rapists do not belong to any village neither do they belong to any community. So irrespective of which community we belong to, let us all put our heads together in condemning and outlawing such inhuman act to build a safer future,” Kuotsu stressed.
Others who addressed the rally were WAYO advisor Ropfüvilie Nagi, WASU president Kedoroko Casavi, MWO president Satono Meyatsu, MYO president Zhasa-u Sirie, Mezoma Mechü Kehou president Kuosevo Casavi and Mezoma Village Council chairman Vilietuo Miasalhou.
All the speakers strongly condemned the act and demanded befitting punishment to the two culprits so that justice is done to the innocent victim.
The two accused Viriezolie Meyase and Kepevilie Savino of Khonoma village are presently under judicial custody and have been charge sheeted under Section 376 of IPC.
