Peren, August 21 (MExN): A consultative meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Peren, Hiazu Meru, on August 21 to address the ongoing Phase-II agitation over the Pimla murder case ended without a breakthrough, as the core organisations spearheading the protest abstained from participation.
The Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON), Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN), and Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation (ZMO) declined to attend, reiterating their earlier resolution not to engage with government authorities until the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report is made available.
A ZSUN official reaffirmed the resolution to The Morung Express on Thursday evening, stating that the organisations would neither participate nor engage until justice is delivered.
The meeting held at direction of Commissioner Nagaland, however, was attended by officials of the district administration along with representatives from the Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO), Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN), Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland, and Kuki Students’ Organization Nagaland.
During the deliberations, the DC acknowledged the difficulties caused by the agitation, including the closure of government offices, restrictions on government vehicles, and disruption of National Highway-129A, a vital lifeline for transporting essential commodities into Manipur.
DC Meru stressed the need to restore normalcy and urged cooperation in finding a resolution, as per the meeting minutes.
After discussions, it was decided that the district administration would continue efforts to reach out to the agitating CSOs.
The NZPO and KIN, meanwhile, were entrusted with acting as mediators between the State Government and the protest leaders.
On the matter of victim compensation, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jalukie, was tasked with coordinating with the Mhaikam Village Council and the ZMO to ensure that the process is completed without delay. Tribal Hohos present at the meeting also resolved to formally request the State Government to accord priority to securing the FSL report.
Reportedly, the bail of the main-accused has also been cancelled.
Meanwhile, the Phase-II indefinite “aggressive agitation,” launched by the three Zeliangrong bodies on August 19, continues to paralyse normal life in Peren district.
The case stems from the recovery of the body of a woman on April 7 between Mhaikam and Pimla villages in Peren district. The agitating organisations allege lapses in the investigation and have demanded justice, expressing frustration over the delay in the FSL report.
