During the 16 Days of Activism 2025 event held at the Town Hall in Zone Niathu, Chümoukedima, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Khekali Y Sumi disclosed that only 11% of domestic violence complaints received at the Women Police Station in Dimapur resulted in First Information Reports (FIRs) this year. She emphasized that the remaining 89% were “resolved through compromise,” revealing significant deficiencies in how crimes against women and children are addressed.
Sumi spoke to attendees on November 29 about the troubling statistics, noting that 90-95% of cases involving missing or runaway women and children stem from unsafe or unstable home situations, rather than the romanticized notion of “elopement for love.” Despite these challenges, she provided some positive news, stating that 92% of missing person cases were successfully resolved.
With 26 years of experience, Sumi pointed out systemic issues such as inadequate institutional coordination and community interference that hinder effective resolution of these cases. She recounted a situation where a young mother escaping domestic violence was housed at the Sakhi One Stop Centre, yet her children’s needs were overlooked due to the absence of the Child Welfare Committee. The mother ultimately returned to the police seeking more assistance.
In another instance, a minor girl reported being sexually assaulted by a neighbor, but village council interference complicated the situation, leading to a Rs 50,000 penalty on the accused and pressure on the family to forgo legal action. The FIR was eventually logged after police intervention.
Sumi outlined the five pillars of the criminal justice system-police, forensic sciences, judiciary, prosecution, and prisons-stressing the need for public backing in every phase. She explained the police’s role in gathering various forms of evidence and the importance of forensic labs in analyzing that evidence. She advocated for the appointment of special prosecutors for sensitive cases of violence against women and acknowledged the vital role of NGOs in advocacy.
On the issue of prisons, Sumi indicated that new legislation is focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, with 70-80% of prison activities aimed at reform through counseling and life skills training. Nevertheless, she noted that many cases in Nagaland are still informally settled, which undermines justice and rehabilitation.
To catalyze long-term mindset change regarding gender-based violence, Sumi proposed three initiatives: professional training for Sunday school teachers to instill values and awareness in children, the establishment of a dedicated “men’s department” in churches for addressing men’s emotional and behavioral development, and prioritizing spiritual formation over entertainment-focused church activities.
“Shifting mindsets is essential to tackling violence against women,” she insisted, calling for collective efforts from communities, institutions, and individuals to create a safer environment for women, girls, and children.
The event, themed “Empowering Women, Eliminating Violence,” was organized by Prodigals’ Home in partnership with Peren Touch and Sankalp-DHEW Mission Shakti, supported by the North Eastern Council as part of the global UNiTE campaign against violence towards women, including digital abuse. The day featured presentations, speeches, and shared testimonies from women across diverse backgrounds and stakeholders.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/just-11-of-domestic-violence-complaints-registered-as-firs-says-dcp-khekali
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-11-30 22:29:00
