In the wake of the alleged attempted rape and assault of a mother at Botsa village on July 16, the Northern Angami Women Organisation (NAWO) spearheaded a peaceful rally at Razhü Point in Kohima on Saturday morning, demanding swift justice and warning that failure by the authorities to act decisively could trigger community-led customary intervention.
Hundreds of women, men, and youth marched in solidarity, holding placards that read, “We condemn this immoral act” and “We demand justice for the victim.”
Addressing the gathering, NAWO President Kedisenuo Keditsu stated unequivocally: “The culprit deserves capital punishment and does not fit to exist in a civilized society.” She added, “A son of the soil has committed a heinous crime and the crime is not forgivable.”
NAWO submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, urging that the accused be denied bail and detained under all provisions available under the law. The organization also appealed for immediate protection for the victim and her family.
Keditsu warned that if their demands are not met, NAWO’s next steps would involve mobilizing “the youth and children,” stressing, “it will be difficult to stop them.” She declared that NAWO would “leave no stone unturned” in ensuring justice is served.
Echoing similar sentiments, Northern Angami Public Organization (NAPO) President Keduo Zumu and Northern Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO) President Khriesazo Liezietsu condemned the crime and issued a pointed warning to authorities. “In case the government and judiciary fail to deliver justice, we are ready to deal with the case as per customary law,” they said.
Liezietsu raised concern over the growing insecurity faced by women even within their own communities: “Are we—the youth and men—doing our part to protect our mothers and sisters and make them feel safe?”
NAWO, in a statement, termed the crime a “cowardly and brutal act,” calling it “a shameful attack on the fundamental rights and freedom of women.” The organization warned that any delay or negligence in handling the case “only emboldens perpetrators and weakens public faith in the justice system.”
While expressing hope that the investigating authorities will carry out their duties with “efficiency and integrity,” NAWO reminded that “justice must not only be done, but must manifestly be seen to be done.”
The Angami Public Organization, Angami Women Organization, NAPO, NAYO, and other village-level women bodies from across Northern, Western, and Southern Angami regions also joined the rally in a show of united support.
