Society’s outrage against crimes, and law breakdown, continues

EMN
Dimapur, March 11

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]agaland is slowly limping back to normalcy after the March 5 lynching of a person accused of rape in Dimapur but the outrage and denouncement from civil society continues unfettered for the stated case as well as other criminal and violent incidents such as the murder of a telecom official on March 1.
Various civic organizations as well as cellular services provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Wednesday issued furious statements denouncing the spate of criminal activities and mob activism in Nagaland during the month.BSNL decries murder of official
Officers and staffers of the BSNL issued a condolence message on March 11 for the murder of the company’s sub divisional engineer GM Rongmei on March 1 by unidentified gunmen.
The company has expressed deep shock and dismay at the brutal and horrific murder of Sub Divisional Engineer (group) of Zunheboto GM Rongmei by unidentified miscreants in his residence in Dimapur.
“We the officers and staffs of GMill, BSNL, Nagaland SSA strongly condemn such heinous act committed to a sincere and dedicated officer. Such act deserves only condemnation and contempt,” the personnel of the company stated.
“The officers and staffs of the GMTD BSNL Nagaland SSA extend our deepest condolence to the bereaved family and sorrowful loved ones. We pray that the Almighty God give you strength, comfort and courage to face the days to come,” the message stated.
Students’ union rejects lynching, crime against women
The Chakhesang Students’ Union has denounced crime against women but has also condemned the mob on March 5 that took the law in own hands and killed the rape accused. The union issued a press release on Wednesday demanding that the inquiry commission set up by the state government of Nagaland to ‘bring out the truth’ without ‘prejudice’. The Chakhesang organization lamented that besides the deaths and destruction f properties, the incident had caused much distrust in the north eastern states.
‘While condemning the atrocities and sexual assaults against women, the Chakhesang Students’ Union Dimapur equally refute the mob action of 5th March 2015, where Sayed Farid Khan, alleged of sexual assault as confirmed from the report of medical examination by ADGP (Law & order) was lawlessly taken out of Central Jail, paraded naked and tortured to death,’ the union stated.
Rapists deserve the highest punishment but only as permitted by the law, the union reminded. Taking law in own hands and going to the extent of barbarism as the mob did on March 5 was ‘totally condemnable,’ the organization stated.
‘Rapists observed the highest exemplary punishment permissible by law however, taking law into one’s own hand or going to such extent of barbarism, havoc action and murder is totally condemned. The uncared mob violence has resulted in taking more since beside Sayed Farid Khan and cause numerous physical injuries, loss of property, brought about mistrust and apprehension within and outside the state,’ the press release stated.
The students also lamented as “unfortunate” that ‘in the process of upholding Law and trying to save public lives, three officers were suspended’ by the government.
“In the light of the above, we urged the judicial enquiry headed by (retired) District and Sessions Judge to bring out the truth for delivering justice without prejudice and safe society from further degradation,’ the Chakhesang students stated. It also cautioned against people misleading innocent students ‘without knowing the fact in any situation.’
“We express our sympathy towards those departed and effected by the infamous incident and appeal to all section of society within and outside the state to maintain restrain and allow the law to take its course of action to prevent such re occurrence,” the union added.
Taking law in own hands not justifiable, Dimapur GBs remind
GBs of Dimapur have appealed to the public to cooperate with the district administration and government agencies in maintaining law and order in Dimapur implying that civilized society was governed by law and the law should be allowed to take its own course. The Dimapur District GBs Association issued a press release on March 11 reminding the public that while crimes such as rape are condemnable, taking law in own hands and seeking ‘justice’ according to whims was equally condemnable.
Dimapur District GBs’ Association expressed ‘deep concern’ at the situation in Dimapur after the March 5 upheaval where a person accused of rape was lynched by an irate mob.
“The crime of rape is very severe and inhuman act but delivering justice like this is condemnable as well. Taking law into own hand cannot be justified in this civilized world. We are governed by a law and let the law of the land take its own course of actions,” the GBs stated in the press release.
According to the organization, the incident was “purely a social issue, and do not make a communal or politicize; we must not try to alienate ourselves from the very concept of Nagaland for Christ.”
The GBs have reminded the public not to forget that ‘we need to live in harmony in order to survive, pursue our children’s study, career so on and forth.’
The GBs had this message for the public: “At this crucial juncture, Dimapur Muslim Council effort to maintain peace is commendable and appeal to continue till the situation is completely subside. The association also appeals to the general public to co operate with the administration in maintaining law and order situation in Dimapur, and request all the individual, civil organizations, students to participate in bringing back Dimapur to normal and restraints from any actions that may escalate further tension.”