To Avoid Rape, Stop Dressing ‘Indecently’: Naga Women’s Body

By Samudra Gupta Kashyap

With the number of crimes against women increasing in Nagaland, a women’s organisation in the hill state has come up with a solution that seems to be inspired by the UP Khap panchayat that banned girls from wearing jeans early this year. The Dimapur chapter of Naga Women’s Hoho has asked women to stop wearing “indecent” and skimpy dresses so that they do not attract or provoke crime.

A resolution passed by the organisation in Dimapur last Sunday said it would take “suitable” action against women seen wearing indecent dresses. “This is not just an advisory to young girls but for the attention of all women, young or old. Our resolution has clearly said that it is important to dress modestly and decently. That may not be the ultimate solution to prevent crimes ranging from eve-teasing to molestation, rape and murder, but is definitely one of reducing such crimes,” Hukheli T Watsa, president of the Naga Women’s Hoho, said over telephone from Dimapur.

The organisation has identified video films, particularly those from Korea and Thailand, as another reason behind increasing crimes against women. “Korean and Thai video films in circulation in the state are full of sex and crime, and this has direct impact on young people. There have been reports of high school students experimenting with themselves after drawing inspiration from such films. We have asked the police to stop their circulation,” he added.

Sano Vamuzo, chairperson of the Nagaland State Women’s Commission, has supported the resolution. “It is a fact that girls and young women are seen wearing indecent dresses. It is one reason behind girls from the Northeast facing sexual harassment in the capital,” said Vamuzo from Kohima.

Nagaland, and more particularly Dimapur, has witnessed a sudden rise in the number of crimes against women. “At least one rape and murder is being reported every month in Dimapur. Recently we arrested one person in connection with a rape and murder,” said Mhapeni Lotha, a lady police officer in the crime against women cell in Dimapur police station.