Western Sümi Hoho warns: Non-Nagas using Sumi names must immediately desist; failure will invite serious consequences
The assault of a young Naga woman in Dimapur on June 15 has drawn strong condemnation from several Naga organizations, who have described the incident as both a personal tragedy and a disturbing reflection of growing threats to women’s safety and the misuse of indigenous identities in Nagaland.
According to statements issued by several prominent Naga organizations, the woman—who had arrived from Pune—was molested and assaulted after boarding an auto-rickshaw at 4th Mile, Dimapur. “The driver, instead of taking the designated route, willfully diverted towards Niuland Road, during which the accompanying passenger molested and assaulted her despite her desperate protests,” the Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) stated.
In an act of desperation and bravery, the woman reportedly leapt from the moving vehicle to escape, sustaining serious injuries. Bystanders at the scene are said to have intervened and apprehended both the driver and the accused, handing them over to law enforcement. “Their act of timely intervention deserves the highest recognition,” the WNYF said.
The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) confirmed the identity of one of the accused as Adiraj Prasad alias Mughavi Zhimomi, son of Nandal Prasad of Khekiho Village under Dhansiripar sub-division, currently residing at Vihokhu village. According to the DNSU, “The incident… is a grave affront to human dignity and an alarming indicator of the deteriorating safety of women in our society.”
Echoing the sentiment, the Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) expressed “deep outrage over the heinous and disturbing incident,” declaring it “not only inhuman but a direct assault on the dignity and safety of women in our society.” All three bodies—WNYF, WSH, and DNSU—have called for immediate, strict, and exemplary punishment under the law.
Misuse of indigenous identity sparks new anxiety
Beyond the brutal nature of the crime, what has deeply rattled tribal organizations is the alleged misuse of Naga names and identities by non-Naga individuals, particularly the use of the surname “Zhimomi” by the accused.
The WNYF warned of a “dangerous trend—non-Naga individuals adopting or using Naga indigenous names to mask their true identities, defaming our communities, and tarnishing the sanctity of our people’s identity.” They called it “not only criminal but a serious affront to our heritage, dignity, and social harmony.”
The WSH was more direct in naming the accused and linking his identity to the violation of traditional Sumi tribal customs. “It is both alarming and unacceptable that one of the accused… has been illegally using his name as Mughavi Zhimomi, using his mother’s surname and tribal identity to pass off as a local,” the WSH stated. “This is a blatant violation of the resolution passed by the Sumi Hoho, which strictly forbids any non-local who marries a Sumi Naga woman from naming their children or passing on the mother’s surname or tribal identity.”
In a public warning, the WSH declared: “Any non-local who is using the name, surname, or title of a Sumi Naga when he or she is not a Naga by blood is hereby directed to IMMEDIATELY DESIST from such misrepresentation. Failure to do so will invite serious consequences.”
Demands for justice and protection of women
The gravity of the crime and the added layer of identity misrepresentation have united multiple Naga organizations in their demand for justice.
The DNSU stated, “It is imperative that the authorities leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are apprehended swiftly and brought to justice without any delay.” The WNYF added that justice must not be diluted “under any pretext, be it minority status, legal technicalities, or even the age of the offender.” Even if the accused is a juvenile, the group stated, “The gravity of the crime warrants exemplary punishment.”
Calling the incident an attack on “the collective conscience of our society,” the WSH warned that such assaults “threaten to erode” Nagaland’s reputation as one of the safest states for women.
While commending the courage of the victim and the swift response of bystanders, organizations emphasized that systemic action is now necessary. “This is a collective responsibility,” the DNSU noted, “and the administration must lead by example in demonstrating its unwavering resolve to uphold justice and ensure the safety and dignity of every individual.”
The WNYF concluded its statement with an uncompromising commitment: “The Western Naga Youth Front will stand uncompromisingly to defend the honor and safety of our people, especially our women.”