Nagaland SAYO-led rally in Kohima demands justice for Vihozhonu

Expressing widespread outrage, thousands joined a peaceful rally in Kohima on Tuesday, organized by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), to protest the heinous murder of 22-year-old Vihozhonu Zao. The demonstrators marched to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where SAYO submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, demanding swift justice for the victim.
The victim, 22-year-old Vihozhonu Zao, was found dead near a ring well in the Old Ministers’ Hill Colony on the morning of October 25. The suspicious circumstances surrounding her death prompted the Kohima police to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT later successfully arrested the prime accused, identified as 31-year-old Samuel, who is reportedly the victim’s uncle.
Addressing the rally, SAYO President Zasitsolie Beio asserted that Vihozhonu Zao’s injuries and athletic strength suggest the premeditated crime involved multiple perpetrators. Beio demanded a thorough, uncompromising investigation to arrest all accomplices. Reiterating cooperation with the police, SAYO sought capital punishment for everyone involved, warning against accepting a lone offender theory.
Angami Women Organisation (AWO) president Neithono Sothu said the rally reflected the community’s collective voice against injustice, noting women deeply felt the loss of the promising young victim.
Terming the murder an unthinkable betrayal committed within the safety of the victim’s home, she questioned the hatred involved. Sothu cited the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, stressing that abettors are equally liable as the murderer. She urged a swift, transparent investigation and pledged the AWO’s full support.
Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) President Kesosul Christopher Ltu acknowledged the tragedy of Vihozhonu Zao’s unfulfilled ambitions, stating the massive turnout demonstrated the community’s determination for justice. While acknowledging the SIT’s efforts, Ltu stressed that unresolved suspicions remain, asserting that no individual, regardless of family ties, should be exempt from scrutiny.
Raising concern over harassment incidents, he urged men to protect women and encouraged female witnesses to speak out. AYO extended full support to all demands raised by SAYO.
Jakhama Youth Organisation (JYO) VP Dr. Hovisuto Khieya called Vihozhonu Zao’s murder a grave violation of sacred family trust, describing her life as “stolen” from the safest place. Recalling the athlete and student’s achievements, he noted that the tragic circumstances surrounding her death have sparked widespread grief across the state.
Southern Angami Women Organisation (SAWO) president Visezole Sophie urged authorities to impose the severest punishment for Vihozhonu Zao’s heinous murder. While acknowledging the SIT’s work, she stressed that deeper investigation is required, emphasizing that several aspects of the case remain unresolved.
Representing Porütso Khel, Kekhüsezo Zao demanded capital punishment for Vihozhonu Zao’s killer and a thorough investigation of all suspects. He confirmed the clan had retaliated by vandalizing the accused’s house and ostracizing the victim’s grandmother and aunts. Zao remembered the victim as a promising athlete and student.
Leaders from Western, Chakhroma, and Northern Angami Youth Organisations backed SAYO, demanding the highest punishment and urging authorities to deny bail to the accused. They pressed for stronger safety systems and clear zero tolerance policies toward crimes against women to ensure comprehensive security in the state.
The rally opened with an invocation by Rev. Lodiho Thapo of Viswema Baptist Church followed by submission of the memorandum of appeal to the deputy commissioner.
Memorandum: SAYO’s memorandum to the chief minister described the murder as a crime that had “shaken the conscience of society,” causing fear among young women and eroding public confidence. The seven-point demand sought immediate action, arrest of all suspects and accomplices, the strictest punishment under BNSS, and opposition to any bail plea. It also called for mandatory monitoring by senior police officers, extensive use of advanced forensic tools—including CCTV analysis, digital forensics, DNA profiling, CDR analysis, and geolocation tracking—and enhanced police patrolling, fast-tracking of women-related cases, installation of CCTV systems, and community–police safety partnerships. SAYO also sought ex-gratia relief, legal assistance and counselling for the family. The memorandum was submitted by representatives Zasitsolie Beio, Mchevil Luho and Kencisel Tetso.