Dimapur, August 14 (MExN): Over four months after the brutal killing of a woman whose body was found on April 7 between Mhaikam and Pimla villages in Peren district, the Zeliangrong bodies today announced the launch of the second phase of indefinite “aggressive agitation” from August 19, citing lack of justice and alleging lapses in the investigation.
The organisations – Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON), Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN), Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation (ZMO) and Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) – said the agitation will continue until justice is delivered.
Announcing the decision at a press conference in Dimapur, ZYON president R John Zeliang said the agitation will include closure of all administrative and government offices, ban on government vehicle movement, and blockade of National Highway 29A to stop inter-state transport.
He warned that if the second phase of agitation fails to yield results, the organisations will take further steps, including shutting down the Commissionerate of Police office with the support of Naga stakeholders. “There will be no further meetings with the state government or the law enforcing agency,” he said, demanding justice by August 19 and holding the government responsible for any untoward incidents during the agitation.
Zeliang claimed that according to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report, the alleged prime accused, Chuba Jamir, had admitted to the crime. He alleged that the SIT failed to preserve the crime scene, search the accused’s house, record the confession, or include it in the charge sheet. “These lapses are surprising given that the department has capable officers,” he said.
Reiterating the vow from a public rally on April 12, Zeliang said those who bail out the accused should face the same punishment. He added that the two individuals who had signed the bail bond have since withdrawn their signatures.
Alleging “step motherly treatment” towards the Zeliangrong community, he appealed to the broader Naga public to join their fight for justice.
ZSUN president Adaube Hiekha Hau demanded the re-arrest of the prime accused and the immediate release of the forensic report. He said the charge sheet lacked sufficient evidence and witnesses, which led to the accused being granted bail.
ZMO president Apeuna Iheilung expressed frustration over the delay in forensic results. “DNA results in other cases are processed in just a few days,” he said, questioning the prolonged timeframe and urging the government to take the case seriously. He added that the delay contradicts the state’s emphasis on women’s empowerment while women continue to face victimisation.
WNYF interim body co-convenor Aga Rengma criticised the “lackadaisical attitude” of the state government in solving cases, questioning whether the absence of opposition in the assembly was a contributing factor. With no eyewitnesses in the case, he noted that the investigation depended on forensic reports, which have been delayed for nearly five months. “If funding is an issue, we are willing to contribute to cover the costs of forensic testing,” he said.
WNYF co-convenor Idizeung Reunim accused the law enforcement agency of sending a message to criminals that they can act with impunity. He called it ironic that Independence Days of both the Naga and the nation were being celebrated on August 14 and 15 while citizens’ safety remained unassured. Reunim also cautioned against politicising or tribalising the Pimla murder case.
