The Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union (DENSU) on Tuesday vowed to continue its agitation until justice is delivered to a minor rape survivor, asserting that the arrest of three accused persons marked only the beginning of the fight and not its conclusion.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a programme outside the Town Hall here, DENSU leaders maintained that all individuals connected to the crime, including those allegedly involved in concealing evidence or compromising the victim’s identity, must be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice.

DENSU President, Thongule Sangtam said the programme was organized not only for the victim but also for many other survivors who remain silent due to fear and social stigma.

“…it is not just her, but so many others in Nagaland who are facing similar situations and problems but are unable to come out. This message is also for them. We are standing for you, and until justice is delivered, we will…,” Sangtam said as participants repeatedly raised slogans, “We want justice”.

DENSU General Secretary, Sheren Shiu said the Union would not be satisfied merely with the arrest of the three accused and demanded that all individuals connected to the case be investigated.

“The war is not over just because three have been arrested, it has just started, the truth is beginning to unfold. Whosoever is involved in this case must be arrested,” she asserted. She also said that a woman involved in the case should also be interrogated.

She further alleged that the victim’s identity, her name, her face, everything has been compromised. “Who did this, from whose phone was it done—they must also be arrested. And whatever the law provides, they must receive the punishment. Until then, we will also stand,” she said.

Replying to a query on a Gaon Bura’s involvement in the crime, DENSU Speaker, Yongyo said that third accused is a Gaon Bura, who is supposed to be the guardian of the particular colony and its resident. “If such a person behaves this way, we are not safe. We do not feel safe at all,” he said and questioned whether the Gaon Bura’s Association has taken any steps or actions regarding him.

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Expressing happiness that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been set up, Yongo said the SIT should not remain confined to the district level and called for direct monitoring by the Director General of Police (DGP).

“This is our demand, and until this is fulfilled, we will continue to demand this,” he reiterated.

On a query about other demands, DENSU president said that the memorandum has already been submitted to the DGP and whether their demand is fulfilled or not, they would not stop.

Condemning the alleged disclosure and circulation of the victim’s identity, he said such actions are violation are punishable according to the POCSO Act. He said the Union had already demanded the authorities to identify those responsible for recording, sharing, and making the victim’s identity public.

“The law clearly prohibits disclosure of the identity of a child victim. Whoever recorded the video, circulated it, or exposed the victim’s identity must be identified and punished according to law,” he said.

When enquired whether they are getting any support from other victims, DENSU president they received messages from several women claiming to be survivors of sexual violence, many of whom had never previously spoken publicly about their experiences.

“…we are fighting today not just for an Eastern child—this is not just an Eastern child, but a Naga child, a human child,” he said adding, if justice is denied in this case, public faith in law enforcement would be severely damaged.

Meanwhile, the Union leaders expressed disappointment with certain organizations it had expected to participate in the programme, claiming that prior discussions had been held regarding collaboration.

Responding to media queries, DENSU leaders said they would continue pursuing legal and democratic means, including further representations to authorities, while warning that stronger protests could follow if their demands were not addressed.

“The demand we made regarding the state-level SIT, and the key points we submitted in our memorandum—if things do not proceed according to those, we are going to act. This is nothing; next time we will return with double, triple, or quadruple the strength,” he said.