Kohima, Oct 23: Women’s organisations and civil society groups staged a peaceful rally at Chiephobozou on Friday, demanding speedy justice for a woman who was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted by a taxi driver while travelling from Kohima on October 17.
The rally, led by the Nerhema Women Organisation (NWO), was held at the Chiephobozou Town Council Office. The protesters condemned the alleged crime and called for a fair and swift investigation, stringent 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 failed to stop at her intended destination and continued towards the Chiechama–Botsa route, where the alleged assault took place.
Representatives of the Nerhema Village Council, Nerhema Youth and Sports Organisation, Nerhema Students’ Union, Northern Angami Women Organisation-C, Northern Angami Women Organisation and Chiephobozou Town Council joined the protest.
Enoli Neilatuonuo Rülho, president of the Nerhe-Model Village Women Organisation, led the programme, while NWO president Enoli Videnuo Tsürho delivered the keynote address.
The organisations described the alleged incident as a serious violation of women’s dignity, bodily integrity and safety. They expressed solidarity with the survivor and her family, pledging moral, legal and social support.
They also commended the woman for coming forward and filing a first information report (FIR), and urged women’s organisations, student bodies, civil society groups and citizens across Nagaland to unite in seeking justice.
The protesters warned that they would intensify democratic agitation if justice was delayed or denied.
During the programme, Enoli Khrienuo Semou read out a memorandum addressed to the authorities, seeking action in the case. The memorandum was received by Headquarters Additional Deputy Commissioner Ruopfukuotuo Noudi, as the ADC of Chiephobozou was reportedly on official leave.
The All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA), Kohima headquarters, has also condemned the alleged incident, raising concerns over the safety of women commuters.
The protesting organisations reiterated their demand for a speedy and impartial investigation, legal action against the accused in accordance with the law, and concrete measures to protect women travelling alone.
The survivor’s identity and other identifying details have been withheld to protect her privacy.
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