Women’s organisations and civil society groups rallied at Chiephobozou on Friday, demanding justice for a woman who has alleged that she was abducted and sexually assaulted by a taxi driver while travelling from Kohima on October 17.
Organised by the Nerhema Women Organisation (NWO), the rally called for a speedy and impartial investigation, legal action against the accused and stronger safeguards for women using public transport.
According to the allegations, the woman was travelling towards Chiephobozou at around 1.30 pm when the taxi allegedly drove past her intended destination and continued along the Chiechama–Botsa route, where the alleged assault took place.
The rally brought together representatives of the Nerhema Village Council, Nerhema Youth and Sports Organisation, Nerhema Students’ Union, Nerhema-Model Village Women Organisation, Northern Angami Women Organisation-C, Northern Angami Women Organisation and Chiephobozou Town Council.
Nerhema-Model Village Women Organisation president Enoli Neilatuonuo Rülho led the programme, while NWO president Enoli Videnuo Tsürho delivered the keynote address. Enoli Khrienuo Semou read out a memorandum addressed to the authorities, seeking action in the case. Headquarters Additional Deputy Commissioner Ruopfukuotuo Noudi received the memorandum in the absence of the Chiephobozou ADC, who was reportedly on official leave.
The organisations expressed solidarity with the survivor and her family, pledging moral, legal and social support. They also commended her for filing a first information report (FIR) and called on organisations and citizens across Nagaland to stand together in seeking justice.
The protesters warned that they would intensify democratic agitation if justice was delayed or denied.
Separately, the All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA), Kohima headquarters, condemned the alleged incident and raised concerns over the safety of women commuters.
