Kohima, October 23: Nerhema Women Organisation Holds Peaceful Rally, Demands Justice for Woman Assault Victim
The Nerhema Women Organisation, along with various community and civil society organisations, staged a peaceful protest rally at Chiephobozou on Friday, condemning the alleged abduction, attempted rape and sexual assault of a woman passenger by a private taxi driver on October 17.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 1:30 PM while the woman was travelling from Kohima to Chiephobozou. According to the allegations, the vehicle failed to stop at her intended destination and instead proceeded towards the Chiechama–Botsa route.
The rally, held at the Chiephobozou Town Council Office, witnessed participation from community representatives and members of various organisations, who expressed outrage over the incident and called for speedy justice and stronger measures to ensure women’s safety.
Enoli Neilatuonuo Rülho, President of the Nerhe-Model Village Women Organisation, led the programme, while the keynote address was delivered by Enoli Videnuo Tsürho, President of the Nerhema Women Organisation.
Speeches were delivered by representatives of the Nerhema Village Council, Nerhema Youth and Sports Organisation, Nerhema Students’ Union, Northern Angami Women Organisation-C, Northern Angami Women Organisation and Chiephobozou Town Council.
The organisations condemned the alleged incident as a serious violation of women’s dignity, bodily integrity and personal safety. They expressed solidarity with the victim and her family and assured them of moral, legal and social support. They also appreciated the victim’s courage in coming forward and lodging an FIR.
The organisations called upon civil society groups, women’s organisations, student bodies and citizens across Nagaland to unite in demanding justice. They further warned that democratic agitation would be intensified if justice was delayed or denied.
During the programme, Enoli Khrienuo Semou read out a memorandum addressed to the authorities, which was scheduled to be submitted to the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Chiephobozou. However, the ADC was reportedly on official leave, despite having been informed in advance about the memorandum submission and the protest. The gathering consequently awaited the ADC’s arrival. The memorandum was accepted by Hq ADC Ruopfukuotuo Noudi.
The absence of the ADC also drew criticism, with the Naga Youth Organisation (NYSO) reportedly calling for the transfer of the officer over his absence on the day of the scheduled engagement.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over the safety of women commuters and the need for accountability. The All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA), Headquarters Kohima, had also strongly condemned the alleged incident.
The organisations reiterated their demand for a fair and speedy investigation, stringent legal action against the accused in accordance with the law, and concrete measures to protect women travelling alone.
“Speedy justice must be delivered. The safety and dignity of our daughters must be ensured,” the organisations asserted.
The identity and other identifying details of the victim have been withheld to protect her privacy
