Various organisations including Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), Angami Women Organisation (AWO), Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO), Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) and Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Council (AKMWC) have expressed appreciation to Kohima Police and special investigation team (SIT) for solving the murder case of a 22-year-old female athlete, Vihozhonü Zao, whose body was recovered near a well below her home at Old Ministers’ Hill Kohima on October 25, 2025.
NSCW: Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) through its chairperson, W Nginyeih Konyak, asserted that prompt and professional action of Kohima police in ensuring that justice was pursued without delay deserved the highest praise.
The commission also conveys gratitude to the colony authorities, community members, and the public for their support and vigilance throughout the course of the investigation. NSCW said such unity and collective responsibility reflected the strength and compassion of the society in standing up against violence and injustice.
Further, the commission expressed appreciation to all organizations, civil bodies, social media influencers, and individuals across the State who raised their voices and demanded justice for the victim. It said that candlelight vigils and solidarity gatherings held in her memory were a powerful reminder of shared commitment to upholding the dignity and safety of every woman.
NSCW has called for working towards creating a society where justice, peace, and respect for human life prevails.
AWO: Angami Women Organisation (AWO) appreciated Kohima police for their prompt and dedicated efforts in arresting the prime accused in the brutal murder of Vihozhonu Zao.
In a press release, AWO president Neithono R Sothu and general secretary Atono Kense also commended the dedication and hard work of SIT and all the officers who have worked relentlessly to dig and uncover the heinous crime.
AWO has urged the police to continue investigation with utmost sincerity and determination. It demanded that no stone should be left unturned in uncovering the full truth and ensure that all those involved, directly or indirectly, were brought to justice.
“The heinous nature of this crime demands that justice be served without delay or leniency,” AWO affirmed.
With the alarming rise in crimes against women, AWO has stressed the need to strengthen public safety measures within Kohima and beyond.
In this regard, AWO has urged the government to install CCTV cameras in all critical and vulnerable areas to deter crime and aid swift investigation.
AWO also demanded setting up a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in the state capital, adding that recent incident brought to light how the absence of such crucial infrastructure delayed the progress of justice.
SAPO: Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) commended the Nagaland police for their prompt, efficient, and effective action in apprehending the accused identified as one Samuel Zao.
In a press release, SAPO president Er. Tepul Hopovi and secretary & women coordinator Khriehuno Khale said police’s unwavering commitment to justice and diligent investigation into the high-profile case exemplified their professionalism.
It said that swift response of SIT, constituted by SP Kohima Krodi Rhetso, and headed by additional SP, K. Soriso along with his colleagues, demonstrated their capability and dedication to resolving complex cases and safeguarding the community under the rule of law.
Further, SAPO thanked all organizations, individuals, and well-wishers for support, saying their steadfast solidarity had been a beacon of hope and strength in this dark hour.
SAPO also affirmed solidarity with all organizations and individuals in denouncing the murder, adding that “this brutal act is an unforgivable violation of human dignity and a devastating loss to us all.”
SAPO expressed outrage that such a monstrous crime could occur within the very heart of what should be a safe haven. It strongly condemned “this egregious atrocity” and called for the swift and decisive pursuit of justice. SAPO demanded that the perpetrator be held accountable and convicted to the fullest extent of the law.
KVYO: Appreciating Kohima police and SIT for successfully cracking the murder case, Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) said that swift breakthrough reflected the professionalism, commitment and efficiency of the police force in ensuring that justice was delivered.
In a press release, KVYO president Er. Medozhazo Rutsa and general secretary Neikehetuo Kire said SIT’s dedicated efforts brought clarity to a case.
KVYO has demanded that the accused be tried under relevant sections of the law and be awarded the “maximum and most stringent punishment” permissible under the legal framework, adding that “crimes of such horrific nature” had no place in a peaceful and civilised society.
Condemning the incident, KVYO said such individuals must be dealt with firmly to deter similar crimes in the future.
Meanwhile, KVYO has appealed to the responsible authorities that judicial proceedings be carried out in a time-bound, transparent and uncompromising manner so justice was “neither delayed nor diluted.”
It has also extended solidarity to the bereaved family and assured its full support as they navigate “this painful journey.”
AKMWC: Lauding Kohima police for unearthing the murder case, Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Council (AKMWC) has appealed to Kohima police/SIT to leave no stone unturned in exposing the inhuman act.
AKMWC president Thejao Sekhose demanded that perpetrators involved be awarded stringent punishment as per the “law of the land.”
Expressing serious concern over adoption issue by many Nagas, AKMWC called upon responsible citizens to think twice before adopting non-indigenous Nagas, saying the present case was “a big eye opener” and reminded Nagas about the story of “’the old woman and the ungrateful snake’ repaying by its venomous bite rather than gratitude.
AKMWC reiterated its demand to the state government set up forensic science laboratory (FSL) in Kohima at the earliest to promptly respond to the call for any degree of crimes committed and professionally investigate to deliver justices in time.