Nagaland Human Rights Commission chairman calls for stronger action against stalking, cyber stalking

Kohima, Jul 15 (PTI) Chairman of the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission Justice Lanusungkum Jamir on Wednesday stressed that stalking and cyber stalking are serious violations of human dignity and called for stronger legal, institutional and societal measures to combat the growing menace. Addressing a state-level awareness programme on "Prevention of Stalking & Cyber Stalking", organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), Justice Jamir said India has moved away from treating stalking as a "harmless pursuit" to recognising it as a grave crime capable of causing lasting psychological and emotional harm. He said Section 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) recognises both physical stalking and cyber stalking as offences, but observed that the law still identifies the perpetrator only as a "man" and that the first offence remains bailable. In an era where digital harassment is increasingly gender-neutral, he said the law must evolve to provide equal protection to all citizens. Justice Jamir also urged society to reject cultural narratives that glorify persistence over consent, stressing that "no means no" and that healthy relationships are founded on respect, trust and consent rather than control or obsession. Highlighting the rapid rise of digital threats, he said technology, social media, spyware and other online tools have made stalking easier than ever before. Cyber stalking, he noted, includes repeated online harassment, monitoring, identity theft, threats, fake accounts and the unauthorised sharing of private information. While acknowledging that India has strengthened its legal framework through the BNS and the Information Technology Act, he said challenges such as cross-border investigations, rapidly evolving technology, low digital literacy and the stigma surrounding online harassment continue to hinder effective enforcement. Calling privacy and the right to live without fear fundamental rights, Justice Jamir urged victims to preserve evidence, avoid engaging with harassers, block offenders, report abusive content to online platforms and immediately approach law enforcement authorities if the harassment persists or escalates. He expressed hope that the awareness programme would equip especially young people with the knowledge needed to prevent stalking and cyber stalking. Earlier, NSCW Chairperson W Nginyeih Konyak said Nagaland may have one of the country's lowest rates of crimes against women, but warned that cyber stalking and other forms of digital abuse are emerging threats requiring urgent attention. She called for stronger digital literacy, improved cyber infrastructure, institutional support in educational establishments and an end to victim-blaming. PTI NBS NBS RG