𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁.

The protest rally began at Razhu Point, drawing participants from all walks of life. Shops and business establishments in the Nagaland capital remained shut as a mark of collective outrage and support for the victim.

The incident, which has shocked the state, occurred on July 16 near Botsa village under Kohima district. The 19-year-old accused, a resident of a village in the district, allegedly waylaid the woman while she was returning from her field.

According to NAWO’s memorandum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, the accused stabbed the woman multiple times—on her neck, arm, and behind her ear—with the intent to rape and kill her. The attack was foiled by a passerby, prompting the accused to flee. He was later apprehended by local youths and handed over to the police. He is currently in judicial custody.

Carrying placards and banners reading “Justice for the Victim” and “Punish the Perpetrator,” the protestors marched through the streets before submitting a detailed memorandum to the Kohima DC. NAWO described the act as “cowardly, premeditated, and inhumane,” calling it not just an assault on one woman but a direct threat to the safety and dignity of all women.

The organisation urged authorities to ensure a foolproof investigation and strongly opposed any move to grant bail to the accused. They also expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of acquittals in crimes against women and called for urgent judicial reforms.

“The accused does not deserve a place in a civilised society,” the memorandum stated, demanding the severest legal punishment and protective measures for the victim and her family.

NAWO concluded by reiterating faith in the legal system but warned that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done—swiftly and without compromise.