Kohima: The Nagaland Alliance for Children and Women Rights (NACWR) has raised the alarm over a surging number of sexual violence cases targeting women and children in the state. The organization pointed to a series of recent incidents, including a pending court case involving a 14-year-old girl and new reports of abuse in the Niuland and Dimapur districts. Among the recent allegations are the sexual assault of a seven-year-old child and an assault against a 16-year-old that resulted in a pregnancy.
Addressing the severity of these crimes, the NACWR stated, "The significant age difference between victims and perpetrators, alongside the extreme vulnerability of the children involved, renders these crimes even more heinous." The group emphasized that these incidents represent a systemic failure rather than issues of tribal or regional identity. They warned that if authorities continue to neglect strict law enforcement, public faith in the justice system will further erode.
To combat this trend, the organization is demanding swift investigations and the robust application of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. They urged the Nagaland government and law enforcement to take decisive steps to protect vulnerable citizens and ensure that survivors receive justice without delay. The alliance also called on community leaders and civil society to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to violence, asserting that the safety and dignity of women and children must remain a collective priority.
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