Thousands of people, most of them women dressed in traditional attire, took part in a peaceful public rally in Kohima on Friday to demand speedy justice in cases involving crimes against women and children and to express concern over delays in the ongoing sexual harassment case involving suspended Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) officer Reny Wilfred.The rally, organised by tribal women bodies of Kohima, was held at Old MLA Junction before participants marched to Raj Bhavan to submit a memorandum to Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav. Addressing the gathering, Angami Women Organisation (AWO) president and convenor of the rally organising committee, Neithono R. Sothu, said the event followed extensive consultations among tribal women groups amid growing concern over incidents of sexual harassment, molestation and rape reported in the state. She clarified that the rally was not directed against any individual but was a collective appeal for justice, accountability and the protection of the rights and dignity of women and children. Sothu stressed that crimes against women and children must not be ignored and called for a justice delivery system that inspires public confidence.
Referring to several recent cases, she urged authorities to ensure timely investigations and trials while seeking strict punishment for offenders in accordance with the law. She also highlighted the 2021 POCSO case involving Reny Wilfred, which relates to allegations of molestation of two minor girls during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Noklak. According to her, the matter remains pending despite legal provisions that call for speedy disposal of such cases. Sothu further referred to an FIR filed in April 2025 alleging sexual harassment of women employees during Wilfred’s tenure as Joint Secretary of IDAN. She expressed concern over the delay in the trial despite the filing of a chargesheet and appealed for a fair and time-bound judicial process. Several representatives from tribal and civil society organisations echoed similar concerns during the rally. Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam, Kohima vice-president Shaan Khiamniungan, said no person should be above the law regardless of position or influence and urged the government to address the matter seriously. Yimkhiung Women Organisation vice-president Athsang Yimkhiung and Kohima Ao Telongjem president I. Moanungsang also called for timely justice, with Moanungsang describing sexual harassment as a wider social issue that affects the safety and confidence of women.
Angami Youth Organisation general secretary Vipu Zashümo expressed solidarity with the victims, while Naga Students’ Federation information and publicity secretary Pithungo Shitio said the federation had been pursuing the issue for over a year and remained committed to supporting the victims. Speaking at the programme, David Kire, associated with IDAN since its inception, said he could not comment on the merits of the case as it was sub judice but expressed confidence in the legal process. He also raised concerns about the employment status of contractual staff and alleged that some complainants and their supporters had lost their jobs after the allegations surfaced.Kohima Lotha Hoho chairman K.N. Mhonthung condemned crimes against women and advocated stronger awareness programmes, better support systems for victims and the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure quicker disposal of such cases. A memorandum submitted to the Governor, read out by Sumi Totimi Hoho vice-president Kavitoli Zhimomi Jakhalu, called for a fair and speedy trial in the sexual harassment case and urged authorities to expedite the disposal of recent cases involving crimes against women and children. The memorandum stated that delays in justice weaken public trust in the rule of law.
