Lozaphuhu organisations condemn Sep 5 incident

Lozaphuhu organisations-Lozaphuhu Village Council (LVC), Lozaphuhu Students’ Union (LSU) and Lozaphuhu Youth Organisation (LYO) have condemned the “dastardly act” of two personnel of 5th NAP (both F company) allegedly against two minor girls on September 5 in Phek town. 

Based on prima facie evidence available, the three organisations claimed that the action of the two personnel was no “less than an attempt to rape or to outrage the modesty of the girls”.

In a joint statement, they alleged that on September 5 evening after the Teachers’ Day programme, the two girls (both 14 years) class IX students were on their way home after retuning borrowed stuff at 5th NAP camp, when two NAP personnel offered them lift in the car (maruti van) to their home. 

However, they forcefully drove the girls to an isolated jungle, 2 km away below the camp, the statement alleged. After stopping the vehicle at a deserted location, the two checked the pockets of the girls for mobile phones and also made “indecent touches”, the organisations alleged. 

They said that the two also told the minors that they would take them to another side of the town. Out of fear, one of the girls jumped out of the running vehicle which resulted in serious injury. However, the organisations claimed that the vehicle did not slow down, which nearly resulted in another accident as it almost skidded off-road. The injured girl was brought to hospital in semi-conscious state at 8.25 p.m. 

In the light of the above, the three organisations alleged that the action of the two also amounted to attempted murder since the lives of the girls were at stake and one of them almost got killed. The organisations also said that the incident was a clear case of abduction as the girls were allegedly taken away forcefully, much against their will. 

The organisations therefore urged upon the responsible authorities to award befitting punishment to the culprits considering the seriousness of the incident. 

They also warned that in the event of any complacency or failure on the part of law enforcing agencies to deliver befitting justice, LVC would not be in position to assure any smooth outcome sensing the tensed mood of the youths. 

LVC said it would also not be held accountable for any action thereof. Meanwhile, the organisations have lauded the prompt action of the administration in arresting the culprits.