Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Thousands of protesters, many dressed in traditional attire, gathered at Old MLA Junction in Kohima on Friday to demand stronger protections for women and children. The peaceful demonstration, organized by local tribal women bodies, focused on the need for accountability in sexual harassment cases and criticized ongoing delays in the legal process.
Participants marched to Raj Bhavan following the rally to submit a formal memorandum to Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav. The organizers emphasized that the event was a call for institutional change rather than a campaign against any single person.
Neithono R. Sothu, president of the Angami Women Organisation, noted that the rally was a response to escalating reports of molestation and rape in the state. She stated, "The gathering was not directed against any individual but was a collective call for justice, accountability and the protection of the dignity and rights of women and children."
A significant point of contention was the status of cases involving Reny Wilfred, a suspended Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland official. Speakers highlighted a 2021 case involving the alleged molestation of minors and a 2025 FIR alleging the sexual harassment of female employees. Despite the existence of a chargesheet, protesters argued that the lack of progress in these trials undermines public faith in the justice system.
Representatives from various tribal and civil society organizations addressed the crowd to demand the implementation of fast-track courts. David Kire, an associate of the IDAN, noted concerns regarding the treatment of contractual staff who came forward with allegations, while other speakers urged the government to ensure that no individual is treated as being above the law. The memorandum requested a fair and time-bound trial for all pending cases to ensure offenders face the consequences prescribed by law.
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