The All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA), headquarters Kohima, has condemned the alleged attempted rape, wrongful confinement, kidnapping and sexual assault involving a private taxi driver, and called for a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation.
In a condemnation letter issued on Tuesday, the association said the incident reportedly occurred around 1:30 pm on October 17, when a woman was travelling from Kohima to Chiephobozou.
According to ANTA, the vehicle allegedly failed to stop at the woman’s intended destination and instead proceeded towards the Chiechama–Botsa route.
The association described violence against women as a grave violation of human dignity and human rights, stating that such acts have no place in society. It expressed solidarity with the woman and her family and commended her for filing a First Information Report (FIR) despite the reported physical and mental trauma.
Clarifying its position, ANTA stated that private vehicles allegedly operating as taxis without authorisation are not members of the association. It said such operations tarnish the reputation of legitimate taxi drivers serving the public.
The association urged law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and ensure that the accused is brought to justice in accordance with the law. It also appealed against the granting of bail to the accused.
ANTA further called on the public to stand united against violence towards women and support efforts to ensure their safety, dignity and access to justice.
The association also urged the public to report private vehicles operating as taxis without authorisation to ANTA or the concerned authorities.