The Nagaland Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee (NPMCC) has strongly condemned the assault on a female nursing intern at Dimapur District Hospital on February 24, 2025. The shocking incident has sparked widespread anger and protests, with civil society organizations, student bodies, and women’s rights groups demanding immediate justice and stricter security measures in healthcare institutions across the state.
According to reports, the attack took place inside the dental OPD room of the hospital. The perpetrator(s) allegedly targeted the nursing intern while she was on duty, raising serious concerns about the safety of medical staff working in public healthcare institutions.
Nagaland Mahila Congress Demands Immediate Action
Expressing deep shock over the assault, NPMCC Vice President Sentila Imchen called the attack “unacceptable”, stating that such incidents undermine the safety of women working in healthcare institutions. She demanded swift and strict action against the culprits to ensure that such crimes do not go unpunished. “Hospitals should be spaces of safety and healing, not violence. This attack exposes serious security failures that must be addressed immediately,” Imchen said in a press statement.
The Nagaland Mahila Congress extended its support to the victim and her family, urging the authorities to strengthen security protocols in hospitals and other public institutions to prevent similar cases in the future.
Public Protests and Growing Demand for Justice
The assault has triggered protests in Dimapur, with student organizations, civil society groups, and women’s rights activists taking to the streets to express their outrage. Protesters have raised concerns about increasing incidents of violence against women and the lack of strict security measures in public spaces.
Key Demands from Protesters and Women’s Organizations:
Swift arrest and legal action against the perpetrator(s) Stronger security measures in hospitals to prevent similar attacks CCTV surveillance in key hospital areas for improved monitoring Deployment of security personnel in hospitals to ensure staff and patient safety A helpline for healthcare workers to report cases of harassment and violence
Several activists have emphasized that delayed justice will only embolden perpetrators. They argue that authorities must act swiftly to ensure women feel safe at their workplaces, particularly in public service sectors like healthcare.
Women’s Rights Groups Call for Stronger Protection Laws
Various women’s organizations in Nagaland have raised concerns about the rising trend of workplace harassment and violence against women. They argue that while strict laws exist, enforcement remains weak, leading to an unsafe environment for working women. “If perpetrators are not held accountable, it will send a dangerous message that women are not safe at their workplaces. Stronger legal measures must be enforced,” said a representative from a women’s advocacy group.
Activists also called for awareness campaigns to educate people about workplace harassment laws and safety measures. They urged the government to implement self-defense training programs for women professionals, particularly those working in vulnerable sectors like healthcare and education.
Security Lapses in Nagaland’s Public Institutions
The assault at Dimapur District Hospital has exposed serious security flaws in public institutions, with critics arguing that lack of CCTV surveillance, inadequate staffing, and poor enforcement of safety protocols make such incidents more likely.
Several hospitals and educational institutions in Nagaland have been criticized for failing to provide adequate security for their employees and students. The latest attack has reignited the debate on the need for better workplace safety regulations, particularly for women in the healthcare sector.
Nagaland Government Under Pressure to Act
Following the public outcry, pressure is mounting on the Nagaland government and law enforcement agencies to take decisive action. The Nagaland Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee has urged the state government to implement several measures, including:
A thorough investigation into the Dimapur hospital attack to bring the perpetrators to justice Improved security measures in hospitals, including CCTV cameras and 24/7 security personnel A dedicated task force to handle cases of workplace violence against women Stricter laws and immediate legal action against those guilty of harassment and violence
Need for a Safer Environment for Women in Nagaland
The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of women in workplaces, particularly those working night shifts in hospitals, schools, and public institutions. Women professionals across the state have expressed fear and concern over rising cases of workplace violence, urging the government to ensure their safety.
Activists are calling for:
Special women’s safety cells in hospitals and other workplaces Workplace harassment prevention policies to be strictly enforced Regular safety audits in public institutions to identify vulnerabilities
A Call for Urgent Reforms
The assault on the nursing intern in Dimapur is a disturbing incident that requires immediate action and long-term reforms. The Nagaland Pradesh Mahila Congress, along with various civil society groups, is demanding justice for the victim and systemic changes to prevent similar cases in the future.
The Nagaland government and law enforcement agencies must act swiftly to ensure strict punishment for the perpetrators, improve security measures, and implement strong workplace safety policies.
Only through decisive action can the state ensure that women in Nagaland feel safe in their workplaces and public institutions.
