Kohima: In an unprecedented show of solidarity, the Northern Angami Women Organisation (NAWO) organised a massive rally in Kohima on Saturday, condemning the brutal attempted rape and attempted murder of a mother of four by a 19-year-old.
The accused was identified as Khrietuolie Kense, son of Savituo Kense from Tsiemekhuma Basa Village.
The peaceful protest began at Razhü Point and proceeded to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where NAWO submitted a memorandum demanding swift justice for the survivor.
Thousands of women, clad in traditional Naga attire, held placards reading, “We demand justice for the victim” and “We condemn this immoral act.”
The horrific incident occurred on July 16 at Botsa village, located north of Kohima town.
According to the survivor’s statement to NAWO, Kense attacked her while she was returning from her field, attempting to rape and murder her. The woman, however, fought back despite being stabbed and cut on her wrist, finger, and neck. She also suffered multiple bruises on her knee and back. An elder and his son passing by intervened and rescued her from further assault.
Speaking to reporters, NAWO President Kedisenuo Keditsu said, “The accused is not fit to exist in a civilized society. We cannot accept one of our own sons doing this to us. We can never forgive. If such acts repeat in the future, we will not remain silent anymore. We have had enough.”
When asked whether the accused was a repeat offender, Keditsu claimed there were multiple instances but emphasised that lack of official complaints and unwillingness of other victims to come forward made it difficult to prove in court.
She also expressed concern for the survivor’s condition, saying, “She is in a pathetic state. Externally the knife wounds look serious, but the internal trauma is worse. Her whole body is bruised. The way he attacked her was meant to make her unconscious. It was providence that she survived.”
NAWO demanded that the accused be denied bail and called on the government and judiciary to ensure that justice is served.
If our demands are not met, the next course of action will involve our youth. Today it is the mothers standing here; tomorrow, it will be the youth, and then there will be no stopping,” Keditsu warned.
During a short ceremony held ahead of the march, professor Rosemary Dzüvichü, Advisor to the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), also condemned the incident, calling it “a day of shame.”
“This is not part of Naga culture. Naga culture has always respected women. It is time for mothers to teach our sons to respect women of all ages. Today, we have rising cases of child rape and domestic violence. Where is the government? Where is the Governor who sits quietly in the Raj Bhavan?” she questioned.
Northern Angami Public Organisation (NAPO) President Keduo Zumu warned that if law enforcement agencies fail to deliver justice, the community will settle the matter according to traditional laws. He emphasised that women should not have to live in fear and that such acts must be strongly condemned.
Angami Women Organisation (AWO) President Neithono Sothu stated that the incident has inflicted a lifetime of trauma on the victim and highlighted that the accused must be punished under the law. She urged every individual in society to play their part and stand up for the survivor.
Northern Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO) President Khriesazo Liezietsu challenged men to reflect on whether they are truly protecting their mothers, sisters, and wives. He warned that if the law fails to deliver justice, men must be ready to act to resolve the matter.
The Botsa Village Chairman praised the women for rising and protesting against inhuman acts in society, expressing hope that this stand will serve as a lesson for generations to come.