The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has called for the immediate suspension of Mr. Reny Wilfred, IAS, Joint Secretary of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), following multiple allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by female subordinates. In a strongly-worded public statement issued on April 15, the apex Naga student body expressed grave concern over the state government’s decision to allow Mr. Wilfred to continue in an official position despite the ongoing investigation. The NSF argued that this move reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to upholding justice and maintaining a safe workplace environment for all employees, particularly women.“It is deeply disheartening that an individual under serious investigation for such grave allegations continues to hold an influential administrative post,” the NSF said. “This not only sends the wrong message to the victims and the public but also reinforces a dangerous culture of silence and impunity.”
The Federation emphasized that the case does not appear to be an isolated incident, but rather part of a concerning pattern of alleged misconduct. By allowing Mr. Wilfred to remain in service while the inquiry is ongoing, the authorities risk undermining public confidence in the integrity of governance and the safety of government workplaces.The student body demanded that Mr. Wilfred be relieved of his duties until the investigation reaches its conclusion and the findings are made public. The NSF further urged that the process be transparent and free from any influence, cautioning against potential interference in the inquiry. It warned that any such attempt would be “resisted firmly” by both the organization and the Naga people.“We will not tolerate any action that compromises the dignity of our sisters and the integrity of our institutions,” the statement added, reflecting the rising anger and disappointment among sections of civil society.
The NSF’s demand adds to growing pressure on the state administration to take decisive action in cases involving gender-based misconduct. Various women’s rights groups and student unions have also echoed calls for accountability, arguing that failure to act swiftly sets a dangerous precedent. So far, the state government has not released an official comment on the matter. However, sources suggest that the internal complaints committee is actively investigating the allegations and that a report is expected in the coming weeks.
