The Nerhema Women Organisation (NWO) organised a peaceful protest rally on October 23 against the alleged rape of a woman allegedly by Ruokuotuolie Rüpreo, a 28-year-old resident of Chiechama village, and demanded swift justice and stronger measures to ensure women’s safety.
The rally began at Nerhe Model, from where the participants marched towards Chiephobozou. A short programme was held at the Chiephobozou Town Council Office, following which the protesters proceeded to the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Chiephobozou, to submit a memorandum addressed to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Kohima district.
In the absence of the ADC Chiephobozou, who was on leave, the memorandum was submitted through Headquarters ADC Ruopfukuotuo Noudi.
According to the joint memorandum submitted by the Nerhema frontal organisations, the incident allegedly occurred on October 17 at around 1:30 p.m., when a woman travelling from Kohima to Chiephobozou in a private vehicle plying as taxi was allegedly taken beyond her designated destination, confined inside the vehicle and sexually assaulted after the vehicle was diverted towards Ciethu Road under Chiephobozou Town.
The accused, identified as Ruokuotuolie Rüpreo, son of Suolahie Rüpreo of Chiechama village, is a private taxi driver. An FIR has been lodged at Chiephobozou Police Station in connection with the incident.
Describing the alleged incident as a grave violation of women’s dignity, bodily integrity and fundamental rights, the organisations stated that the incident had created fear, anguish and insecurity among women and girl students who depend on public transport for work, education and other daily activities.
The organisations asserted that such acts could not be tolerated in a civilised society, stating that crimes against women were not merely individual offences but an attack on the dignity and safety of women across society.
In their joint demands, NWO and NYSO called for the accused to be booked under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as applicable, and urged the authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation. They also demanded speedy prosecution and trial, with punishment in accordance with the law.
The organisations further appealed for the victim to receive immediate psychological counselling, medical assistance and appropriate compensation under the applicable victim compensation provisions.
Emphasising the need for safer public transportation, the organisations urged the authorities to introduce routine breathalyser checks for public transport drivers and make GPS installation mandatory in public transport vehicles, with strict monitoring to ensure passenger safety.
They also appealed to the public, media and all concerned to protect the victim’s identity and privacy, refraining from disclosing or circulating any identifying details, photographs or personal information.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The organisations expressed solidarity with the victim and her family, assuring them of their moral, legal and social support while maintaining confidentiality and dignity. They also commended the victim for coming forward and lodging an FIR despite the trauma she had reportedly experienced.
Warning that they would intensify their democratic agitation if justice was delayed or denied, the organisations appealed to civil society organisations, women’s organisations, student bodies and citizens across Nagaland to raise a collective voice against crimes against women.
The memorandum concluded with a call for speedy justice and concrete measures to ensure the safety and dignity of women, stating that accountability and effective enforcement of the law were essential to restoring public confidence in the safety of public transport.
A short programme was held at the Chiephobozou Town Council Office, attended by representatives of various organisations, including the Chairman of Nerhema Village Council, President of Nerhema Youth & Sports Organisation, President of Nerhema Students’ Union, Presidents of Northern Angami Women Organisation-C and Northern Angami Women Organisation, and the Chairman of Chiephobozou Town Council.
The memorandum was read out by Enoli Khrienuo Semou, while Neilatuonuo Rülho, President of Nerhe-Model Village Women Organisation, delivered the address as leader. The keynote address was delivered by Videnuo Tsürho, President of Nerhema Women Organisation.
