Kohima: The NSCN/GPRN-R (Akato) has announced a cash bounty system to encourage the reporting and apprehension of individuals accused of sexual assault. President Akato Chophi revealed the initiative during a June 14 press briefing in Hoito village, where he committed to offering rewards ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh for information that secures the arrest of perpetrators.
Addressing the growing number of sexual assault cases involving minors in Nagaland, Chophi described the trend as a dangerous social shift. "Lately in Nagaland, the sexual assault of minor children has become a major issue. This is turning into a social disease," he said, suggesting that such crimes reflect a foreign influence infiltrating local society. Beyond the bounty program, the group pledged Rs 1 lakh in financial support to aid the rehabilitation of a 14-year-old sexual assault victim in Dimapur, with funds to be distributed through the Dimapur Eastern Naga Students' Union.
Representatives from the group's Women and Child Welfare Ministry expressed strong concern regarding the legal handling of these crimes. Deputy Kilonser Christina Lotha insisted that accused individuals should be denied bail to protect victims and maintain justice. She warned that the women's wing is prepared to take direct action if legal authorities fail to enforce strict measures. Another ministry official, Among Ao, added that they are monitoring additional cases, including the alleged assault of a 7-year-old girl in Niuland district, to ensure the law proceeds without compromise.
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