A powerful show of solidarity marked the “Stand With Her” peaceful awareness programme, organized by the Nagaland NGOs Forum (NNF) and Nagaland Schools’ Alliance (NSA) in Dimapur on Tuesday, where political leaders, civil society organizations, legal experts, women’s groups and community representatives came together to condemn the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl and call for justice, accountability and long-term reforms to protect children and women.
Addressing the gathering, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, conveyed a message from Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is currently on an official visit to New Delhi. Metha said the Chief Minister had expressed his deep concern and strongest condemnation of the incident while appreciating the organizers for initiating public discourse on child protection and justice.
Metha said the incident had caused deep pain, shock and horror across Nagaland and assured that the government and law-enforcement agencies would leave no stone unturned in ensuring a fair, independent and swift investigation. He urged citizens to allow the law to take its course while extending solidarity to the victim, her family and community.
Stressing that laws alone cannot eliminate abuse, he said society must assume collective responsibility for protecting children. “The worst enemy is silence,” he remarked, calling upon communities to remain vigilant and speak up against abuse. He emphasized that children should be allowed to dream and grow in safe environments and questioned how society could permit violence and sexual abuse in places where children are meant to feel safest.
Metha also broadened the discussion to women’s rights and gender equality, stating that while Nagaland prides itself on respecting women, many women continue to suffer in silence due to fear, stigma, domestic violence, workplace harassment and discrimination.
He urged village councils, churches, civil society organizations and families to initiate serious conversations on gender justice and child protection. “Shame should not belong to the victim; shame should belong to the perpetrator,” he said, adding that mere statements of condemnation were insufficient unless followed by concrete support and justice for survivors.
Calling for greater representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions, Metha maintained that societies progress faster and more effectively when women are empowered to lead.
Speaking on behalf of the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), President Hukiye Yepthomi highlighted the significance of the theme “Stand With Her,” describing it as a call to conscience and collective action.
Condemning the alleged abuse by a person entrusted with the victim’s care, he praised the courage of the survivor for speaking out and acknowledged the role played by teachers who believed and supported her in seeking justice.
“Child protection is not the responsibility of one institution alone,” he said, stressing that families, schools, churches, community organizations, law-enforcement agencies and government institutions must work together to ensure children are protected.
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Hukeye called for stronger awareness on children’s rights, improved reporting mechanisms, accountability for perpetrators and dignified support for survivors. He said the gathering should send a clear message that abuse would not be tolerated and that society would stand firmly with survivors.
Legal Advisor, Nagaland Alliance for Women and Child Rights, Esther K Aye, who has worked extensively on child rights and gender justice, used the occasion to highlight implementation gaps in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Clarifying that the POCSO Act is gender-neutral and protects all children below 18 years regardless of gender, she said Nagaland has designated special courts, judges and public prosecutors for child sexual abuse cases. However, she alleged that systemic failures often prevent victims from receiving timely justice.
Referring to provisions under the POCSO Act that make reporting of child sexual abuse mandatory, Esther expressed concern over instances where police allegedly delayed registering complaints despite legal requirements.
She argued that injustice often begins at the police station when authorities fail to promptly lodge First Information Reports (FIRs). According to her, social pressure, influence and attempts to protect accused persons frequently discourage victims and families from pursuing justice.
Citing several past cases, she recounted situations in which survivors and their families allegedly faced pressure from influential individuals, village authorities and community members to withdraw complaints. She also referred to cases involving sexual abuse by religious leaders and family members, stating that many victims continue to await justice while suffering long-term trauma.
Esther appealed to the state government and civil society organizations to ensure justice for six minor boys who were allegedly abused in a separate case and are still awaiting action against the accused.
She further urged the government to establish an emergency fund for child victims, arguing that existing compensation schemes often involve lengthy procedures and fail to address urgent needs arising during crises.
Advocate Limasenla Longkumer, former Child Welfare Committee Member highlighted the critical role of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) under the Juvenile Justice Act in safeguarding children in need of care and protection.
She noted that the alleged victim in the present case is under the care of the Child Welfare Committee and emphasized the importance of appointing trained support persons to assist child survivors. Such professionals, she said, should be equipped with expertise in child psychology and child-friendly practices to help victims feel safe throughout the legal process.
Drawing from her experience, she challenged the common perception that child abusers are usually strangers. “Most child abusers come from spaces considered safe—homes, families, and among trusted guardians or relatives,” she said, stressing that abuse often occurs within environments where children are expected to feel secure.
She further observed that children rarely sustain fabricated allegations for long periods, adding that those working in child protection frequently encounter resistance from influential families seeking to protect the reputation of accused persons.
According to her, members of the Child Welfare Committee and Juvenile Justice Board often face pressure, intimidation and social backlash while carrying out their responsibilities, particularly when cases involve individuals from influential or affluent backgrounds.
Addressing the issue of victim compensation, she clarified that financial assistance provided under existing schemes is not intended as a reward but as support for rehabilitation, medical treatment and reintegration of survivors into society.
The speaker also criticized attempts to settle cases through compromise for the sake of family, clan or village reputation, arguing that such practices undermine justice for victims.
Calling for reforms in the child and women protection systems, she urged the government and stakeholders to ensure that appointments to sensitive bodies such as Child Welfare Committees and other protection mechanisms are based on expertise and experience rather than political considerations or nepotism.
“Those entrusted with child and women protection must be selected on merit and professional competence,” she said, adding that effective child protection requires dedicated and qualified personnel capable of addressing the complex needs of survivors.
President, Eastern Nagaland Women Organization (ENWO), Yingphe Konyak described the recent incident as a painful reminder of deeper societal problems, including patriarchy, poverty, silence and institutional neglect.
She asserted that abuse thrives in environments where girls are conditioned to remain silent and where unequal gender norms continue to shape social attitudes. According to her, the deeper challenge extends beyond individual offenders to societal structures that normalize male privilege and discourage women from speaking out.
Konyak also highlighted the role of poverty and economic disparity in increasing vulnerability to exploitation, particularly among children and women from marginalized communities.
“Looking away is not neutrality; it is complicity,” she said, stressing that silence empowers perpetrators while isolating victims.
Calling for a cultural transformation beyond legal reforms, she advocated for homes, schools, churches and public institutions that actively promote dignity, equality and accountability. She also underscored the need to address child exploitation, noting that many vulnerable children are deprived of education, separated from families and forced into labour under the promise of a better future.
A host of prominent speakers talked on the recent incident of sexual abuse and called for justice for the victim. The speakers included Imlinungla, President, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Thongule Sangtam, President, Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union, Vikali A Zhimomi, Working President, NPF Central Women Wing Dimapur; Emi Lotha, vice president, Bharatiya Janata Mahila Mocha; Noune Kire, executive member, NSA Nagaland; Hukheto Yepthomi, Chairman, DMC; Zasivikho Zakiesato, president, DUCCF; Khontele Seb, coordinator, Dimapur Women for City Impact; Lovitoli Awomi, Founder & Director of Lapeya Mental Health Centre.
On the occasion, a representation to the Governor of Nagaland was also read out.
