Kohima: A large group of protestors, led by the Northern Angami Women Organisation (NAWO), took to the streets of Kohima on Saturday to demand justice in the case of a brutal assault and attempted rape on a mother of four near Botsa village.
The rally, held at Razhu Point in the heart of the state capital, drew participants from various sections of society, with women forming the majority.
As a mark of solidarity with the survivor, shops and businesses across Kohima remained closed during the protest.
The incident, which occurred on July 16, involved a 19-year-old man from a village in Kohima district, who allegedly ambushed the woman while she was returning from her agricultural field.
According to details shared in a memorandum submitted by NAWO to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, the accused attacked the woman with a knife, inflicted multiple stab wounds on her neck, arms, and behind her ear, and attempted to rape and kill her.
A passerby reportedly intervened, forcing the accused to flee.
He was later caught by local youths and handed over to the police. He is currently in judicial custody.
Protestors marched from Razhu Point to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, holding placards and banners demanding the severest punishment under the law.
NAWO, in its memorandum, described the incident as a “premeditated and barbaric” act and urged authorities not to grant bail to the accused.
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The organisation also called for a thorough and foolproof investigation.
“This cowardly and inhumane act is not just an assault on one woman but an attack on the safety and dignity of all women,” the memorandum stated.
NAWO expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of acquittals in cases of violence against women and called for a more robust and effective criminal justice system.
It also demanded immediate protective measures for the victim and her family, declaring that the accused “does not deserve a place in a civilised society.”
