The Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) and Watsü Mungdang have strongly condemned the alleged rape of a 20-year-old woman from Sungkomen Ward, Mokokchung, which reportedly took place on September 30, after the survivor and the accused, 27-year-old Sumon Subba, connected through Facebook.
In a statement issued by President Lanutoshi Aier and General Secretary Satemmongba, AKM stated, “The victim, a student, was brutally subjected to this inhuman act. This incident has gravely shaken our community, and AKM views it as not only a crime against an individual but an affront to the entire society.”
The student body demanded that “the police and administration treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency. Mere assurances will not suffice. The accused must be prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law, and justice must be delivered swiftly. Any negligence or leniency in handling this case will be seen as a failure of the authorities to uphold their responsibility to protect the citizens.”
Calling for stronger preventive measures, AKM urged that “the administration and law-enforcing agencies immediately strengthen safety measures, particularly for women and students, and ensure strict vigilance to prevent the recurrence of such heinous crimes.”
AKM also issued a cautionary message to young people regarding online interactions. “Online friendships with strangers can be dangerous and meeting random people after befriending them online must be strictly avoided. Awareness and vigilance are crucial to ensuring one’s safety in this digital age,” the statement said. It also urged “parents, guardians and students to take this matter seriously.”
Declaring that it “will not remain silent spectators to injustice,” AKM warned that it “will take every step necessary if the authorities fail to act decisively.”
Reaffirming its support to the victim, AKM said it “stands firmly with the victim and her family during this time of deep anguish and reaffirms that such acts of brutality will never be tolerated under any circumstance. Justice delayed is justice denied, and the onus now lies with the police and administration to restore public trust by ensuring speedy justice.”
The Watsü Mungdang, while strongly condemning the “inhuman act and rape of 20 yrs old innocent girl,” said that it stands firmly against the “heinous and uncivilized act.”
The apex Ao women’s organization also appealed to the law-enforcing agency to award befitting punishment to the accused. Both organizations demanded that justice must be delivered at the earliest.
Police confirmed that the accused was arrested shortly after the complaint and has been forwarded to judicial custody. A case has been registered at the Mokokchung Women Police Station under Sections 64 and 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the investigation is ongoing.