Nagaland Rights Chief Demands Stricter Anti-Stalking Laws

Kohima: Nagaland State Human Rights Commission Chairman Justice Lanusungkum Jamir wants tougher laws against stalking. He spoke on July 15 at a state-level awareness event hosted by the National Commission for Women and the Nagaland State Commission for Women. Jamir argued that society must ditch the narrative that persistence equals affection.

The law needs work. Current rules under Section 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita still define the offender as only a man and allow bail for a first offense. "No means no," Jamir said. He pushed for gender-neutral legal protections to catch up with the digital age.

Technology makes harassment easy. Cyber stalking now involves identity theft, fake social media accounts, and unauthorized data sharing. While the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act exist, enforcement hits snags. Cross-border investigations, poor digital literacy, and the stigma of reporting keep victims quiet.

Victims should block offenders and save evidence. Do not engage with harassers. NSCW Chairperson W Nginyeih Konyak warned that online abuse is climbing even as Nagaland maintains low rates of general crimes against women. She urged for better school support and a total stop to victim-blaming.