Thousands rally for justice in Peren district over alleged rape and murder of mother

A section of the protestors at Mhaikam local ground on Friday.

• DIMAPUR — Thousands of people participated in a rally on Friday at Mhaikam local ground in Peren district, protesting the alleged rape and murder of a mother.
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• The rally was organised by the Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland, Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland, and Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland.
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• After the rally, a joint memorandum was submitted—on behalf of Zeliangrong Students' Union Nagaland, Zeliangrong Youth Organisation, and Zeliangrong Mipui Organisations—to the additional deputy commissioner of Jalukie.
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• They demanded immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator(s) involved in the incident under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC); a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, to enhance security measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future; and compensation to the victim's family as per the existing laws and regulations.

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• The organisations further sought action against any officials or individuals who may have contributed to the incident through negligence or complicity and implementation of measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
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• Speaking to media persons after the rally, R John Zeliang, the president of Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON), said that they had approached the department concerned to obtain the post-mortem and forensic reports, which the authorities were unable to provide.
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• Therefore, they have issued a four-day ultimatum, stating that if the authorities fail to submit or provide an update and arrest the culprit by the evening of April 14, the youth body, along with the citizens of Peren district and the Zeliangrong community, will not remain silent.
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• The youth leader warned that while Friday's rally was peaceful, they cannot guarantee the same for future rallies. If any untoward incident occurs, the responsibility will lie entirely with the law enforcement agencies and the state government, he added.
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• He made a strong appeal to DGP Rupin Sharma and all authorities concerned to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and cautioned that if the accused is granted bail, they will not allow the culprit to “walk free without consequences.”
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• While addressing the rally, John highlighted that the victim was the sole breadwinner of her family, but her life was tragically cut short.

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• Asserting the need to stand up against such heinous crimes, he said that this particular incident was not only a crime against a woman but also a grave crime against humanity.
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• He shared that the victim’s 10-year-old son keeps crying and asking for his mother. “It is heartbreaking to think that this child will now have to grow up without the love and care of his mother,” he said.
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• The president of Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN), Abaube Hiekha Hau, declared that both ZSUN and ZYON will not rest until justice is served.
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• Hau called upon the government and the departments concerned to treat the case with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. He emphasised that their demand for justice is not only for the victim but also for the dignity and safety of every member of the society.
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• While delivering a short speech at the rally, AB Elizabeth, the woman president of Mhaikam, expressed concern that it has been four days since the victim’s murder, but the culprit is yet to be arrested. She appealed to the law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest.
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• She pointed out that the victim was a businesswoman trying to support her family, but now fear has gripped them so deeply that even stepping out alone feels unsafe. She added that they are now afraid to go out and forage for edible leaves for their families, something they once did without fear.
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• She mentioned that Mhaikam villagers scavenge for edible leaves and fruits in the surrounding Pimla and Shukhovi areas, but now they are scared to go out alone for the same.
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• She urged the department concerned to deliver justice to the victim by ensuring that the culprit receives life imprisonment. She firmly stated that this incident should be the first and the last of its kind.
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• Speaking on the occasion, the president of Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO), Zandi Domta, said that the victim was a daily wage earner and the sole breadwinner of the family. He appealed to the authority to give capital punishment to the culprit.
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• The president of Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN), Wigam Nring, said that they had gathered not just to appeal for justice but to show their anger and resentment against an act of “brutality and animalism” that took the life of their beloved sister.
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• The president of Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation Nagaland (ZMON), Apeuna Iheilung, said that Naga society needs to reflect on the safety and empowerment of women against the backdrop of this gruesome incident.

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• At the rally, short speeches were delivered by chairman of Mhaikam Village Council, Katalung, and representatives from Chakroma Youth Organisation, Tenemyi Union Dimapur, Tenemyi Youth Organisation Dimapur, Aqahuto Area Students’ Union, Agahuto Area Sumi Mothers’ Association, Agahuto GB Association, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Zeliang People's Organisation Dimapur, Pimla Head GB, Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation and Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation, Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Dimapur, Western Naga Youth Front, Zeme Students’ Union Nagaland, Dimasa Youth Organisation Nagaland and others.