Nagaland: Dimapur City Dreams Of Rape-Free India; Citizens Offer Free Ride To Women At Night

The latest NCRB report says that on an average 87 rapes happened every day in India in the year 2019. Recently the brutality of a gang rape case in Hathras has shaken the nation bringing the issue of women’s safety to the limelight again. But citizens of Dimapur in Nagaland have taken the step to envision and achieve an aim of rape-free India. They have started a campaign of offering lifts or free rides to women or anyone who is in need of transportation at night.

https://www.facebook.com/aneiba.thou/posts/10214380709270097

This all started with a viral post on Facebook dated October 12, 2020. Aneiba Thou, a constable working at police commissioner’s office in Dimapur, took to Facebook to offer free rides to women at any time in the night if they are in need of transportation. Thou also shared his phone number so that the woman in need of ride could contact him. In the post he wrote, "Any persons, elders, younger sister or a lady facing problems in transportation at night or any problems or not feeling safe at nearby areas, I am ready to help so call or SOS me anytime 24 7. Just call and say I need your help, I'll be there. We believe together we can bring the change and we will change this and a dream of safe and rape free India. Let's spread this initiative so much that we can get volunteer from each corner of the country. My dream of rape free and safe India.''

Also Read: Angry, Apprehensive, And Anxious – Teen Girls React To Hathras Gangrape

This post went on to encourage many other citizens to dream of rape-free India and persevere to do their bit. Many people shared similar messages and posts and offered free rides to people in need.

Thou is also happy to see how his initiative flared a campaign in Dimapur. He told the media, "It is like a chain now, many are doing the same here in Dimapur, anywhere anytime, I am willing to help," He further said that if he is busy when a person in need contacts him, he would entrust a friend with the task of helping the person.

Thou is a father of two daughters, one id 2 years old and the other is 4 years old. His wife is a homemaker. He told the media that he wants his children to grow up in a society where there is no crime against women. “Our society has not faced such a severe situation but I want to bring awareness and help people," he said.

This is not the only step that has been taken for women’s safety after the Hathras gang-rape. Uttar Pradesh Governor, Anandiben Patel has launched the ‘Safe City Project’ in Lucknow. It is a 180-day-long campaign in which police and other departments will work to ensure the safety of women in the city. The project has been launched in eight cities of India. Reportedly, women personnel will be on the frontline combating the crime against women. You can know more about this project here.

”Crime against women is increasing, and in this scenario, the responsibility of society increases. If the schemes meant for woman are not properly implemented, they will lose their importance. “ said the UP governor.

Besides, the Maharashtra government and the Central Railway Board has now allowed all women to avail the local train service in Mumbai. They will be able to enter the local trains from 11 to 3 pm and after 7 pm.

Also Read: A rape reported every 15 minutes. Reasons why India is unsafe for women