Kohima, August 2: The capital city of Nagaland came to a virtual standstill on Saturday as thousands of citizens, predominantly women, rallied in a powerful protest led by the Northern Angami Women Organisation (NAWO). The protest demanded swift justice for a mother of four who was brutally assaulted and narrowly escaped an attempted rape and murder near Botsa village on July 16.
Shops, businesses, and public establishments remained shut as a mark of solidarity, with protesters marching from Razhu Point through the heart of the city. Holding placards reading “Justice for the Victim” and “Punish the Perpetrator,” demonstrators submitted a detailed memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima.
The 19-year-old accused, currently in judicial custody, allegedly stabbed the woman multiple times before fleeing the scene. His arrest was made possible by local youths.
NAWO, calling the attack “cowardly and inhumane,” urged authorities to ensure a thorough and timely investigation while opposing any bail for the accused. The organisation also expressed concern over rising acquittals in gender-based violence cases and called for urgent judicial reforms.
“This is not just about one woman. It’s about the safety and dignity of all women,” NAWO emphasized, demanding the harshest legal punishment and immediate protective measures for the victim and her family.
