Braving heavy rains, citizens of the state capital, Kohima, in their thousands, took out a procession Tuesday to protest against the brutal gang-rape on a 61-year old widow on August 22.
Among the protestors included men, women and youth including senior retired government officials of the Angami tribe besides other tribal organisations
Though the organizers, Kohima Village Council (KVC) and Kohima Village Youth organization (KVYO) did not call for downing of shutters, all shops and business establishment opted to remain close for the day even after the procession ended.
Carrying banners and placards some of which read: “Rapist, We Curse You”; “Install CCTVs In All Strategic Areas” besides erecting picture of the rapist at various locations of Kohima.
After marching from High School Junction, the protestors reached the residence of the chief minister where they submitted a memorandum then returned to hold a public rally at the local ground.
In the memorandum, Kohima Village Council (KVC) chairman Neivor Rutsa stated that Kohima village land became the capital of Nagaland through destiny which brought challenges on the people of Kohima to live as good neighbours with residents belonging to all sections of communities.
Rutsa said while attempting to live to expectations from others, the people of Kohima were often derided as ‘Kewhi-Whilo’( Kewhimia fools) while in all humility, its efforts had prevented many inter-tribal conflicts within Kohima in the past.
He said that by trying to live with such precepts, KVC often encountered tendencies that had tested its forbearance beyond limits. He cited the August 22 rape and attempted murder on one of its woman, as an instance.
KVC in the memorandum demanded that the crime committed by Thanwalo Magh of Tesophenyu village, be treated as a most serious crime and that he should not be released on bail.
Further, it warned that , Kohima village will be compelled to take extremely serious considerations in the event the government failed to accede to its demand. KVC also demanded the government ensure safety to all citizens of Kohima by deploying police machinery to the fullest potential and efficiency through (a) installation of CCTVs in all strategic locations in Kohima and (b) establishment of forensic science laboratory in Nagaland at the earliest.
Nagaland chief minister, on receiving the memorandum, expressed shock and disbelief at the crime and assured that appropriate action would be taken as per constitutional provision if the accused was found guilty.
Zeliang acknowledged that despite the brutality of the crime, KVC did not taken the law into its own hand and urged other individuals and organisations in the state to emulate its example. He also appealed on Kohima village to extend cooperation with the investigating team for timely conclusion to the case.
On demand for CCTVs, the chief minister informed that the government was already in the process of installing CCTVs in Kohima and Dimapur.
Speaking on behalf of the victim( who reportedly is in a critical condition in the hospital), Neibu Sekhose narrated how the brutal crime occurred and also expressed gratitude to public for showing their solidarity. Sekhose hoped that justice would be delivered to the victim.
Former president of Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho (AGOK) Vipralhou Kesiezie, speaking at the rally, said the shocking rape on an aged mother was beyond imagination and such criminal activities can no longer be tolerated. He urged upon the authorities to deliver timely justice.
Rengma Hoho president Kenyuseng Tep, expressed shock and pain at the horrific inciden and said he bowed his head in shame. Tep said the accused did not deserve any place in civilised society. Further, Tep extended solidarity and support to KVC and the Nagas in general. Others who also spoke included APO president Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi, KMK president and KVC chairman Neivor Rutsa.
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