The shocking discovery of the dead and half nude body of a mother of one in her mid-30s on Monday evening in a forested area near Pimla village under Chümoukedima has raised huge outrage.
According to police sources, the woman, a local vegetable vendor, was reported missing after she had gone into the jungle to collect local vegetables. Her husband later discovered her partially nude body, which raised suspicions of sexual assault.
Chümoukedima Police on receipt of information between 7:45 to 8 pm., rushed a team, along with forensic experts to the site. Police recovered the body and transported it to the morgue for post-mortem whose reports were awaited till the time of filing this report.
The case has since been handed over to the Women Police Station, Dimapur, and further investiga-tion is currently.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police (CP), Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie informed Nagaland Post that a machete (dao) was also recovered on Tuesday morning near a fishery pond, suspected to be connected to the case.
CP said investigation was being carried out with full intensity to ensure that the culprit was nabbed at the earliest, while some suspects had been detained for interrogation.
CP informed that official results of the post mortem were awaited and therefore, it was premature and inappropriate to speculate on sexual assault at the stage.
He assured the public that the police were working diligently to uncover the truth thorough and timely investigation. He said updates would be shared with the public as soon as credible findings were available.
Solidarity programme held at DHD: Meanwhile, a solemn solidarity programme was held at the District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) before the body was taken to Mhaikam village in Peren district for burial. The event was attended by lead-ers of various civil society organisations (CSOs), who condemned the incident as “brutal and intol-erable.”
Representatives of several CSOs, including the Zeliang People’s Organisation Dimapur, Zeliang Women Organisation Dimapur, Tenyimi Union Dimapur, Tenyimi Women Organisation, Tenyimi Youth Organisation, and Mhaikam Village Council, met the CP at his office.
Those who gathered at the venue urged the CP to ensure the arrest of the accused within two days. Addressing the gathering, a representative of the Zeliang People’s Organisation Dimapur strongly condemned the crime, asserting that individuals committing such acts had no place in the society.
He called upon the police to expedite the investigation and ensure that harshest punishment was meted out to the culprit. A representative of the Tenyimi Union Dimapur demanded that the accused must not be granted bail under any circumstances. He warned that if the bail was secured and any unfortunate incident was to follow, those responsible for facilitating the bail would be held accountable.
Speaking on behalf of Mhaikam Village Council, a representative described April 7 as a day of deep sorrow and shock for the village. He said the victim was known for her kind and warm-hearted nature, and urged the authorities to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
Short speeches were also delivered by representatives of the Zeliang Women Organisation Di-mapur, Tenyimi Women Organisation, Tenyimi Youth Organisation, Tenyimi Women Organisation president, and executive members of the Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation, all of whom demanded justice and expressed solidarity with the victim’s family.
Dy CM assures justice will be delivered
State deputy chief minister, Y Patton, who also holds home & border affairs portfolios, extended his condolences to the victim’s family and said their grief was “beyond words.”
Asserting they have the full support of the state, Patton assured that every step would be taken to ensure that justice was delivered.
The deputy chief minister said that the “horrific crime” against a 35-year-old woman has shocked all. “Such an act of violence is utterly unacceptable and must be met with the strongest response under the law,” Patton asserted. The deputy chief minister disclosed that the police were pursuing every lead and examining all aspects of the case. “Those responsible must face the full force of the law,” Patton affirmed.
He said that violence against women remained a grave concern and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. “Such acts violate the very foundation of human dignity and the rule of law. There can be no justification for such cruelty,” the deputy chief minister added.
Patton has urged members of the public to support the investigation. “If anyone holds any information, however small, I appeal to them to come forward and assist the authorities,” he said.
Several organisations condemn alleged rape and murder
DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): Several organisations have expressed condemnation over the alleged rape and murder of a woman, whose body found in Pimla area under Chümoukedima district.
NSCW: Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) has strongly condemned the incident and said that such heinous and horrific act of violence was a grave violation of human rights and dignity.
In a condemnation note, NSCW chairperson W Nginyeih Konyak said the incident was a stark reminder of the “deep rooted threats” that women continued to face in the society.
The commission has urged the law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift and time-bound probe as per the laws and to ensure that the perpetrators were identified and arrested without delay.
NSCW said that prompt action must be taken to restore public faith in the justice delivery system and to send a clear message that, such atrocities had no justification and would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
NSCW also appealed to the government to establish a strong and effective mechanism to prevent crimes against women in general.
The commission also urged the government to strengthen the existing policies and frameworks to ensure the safety and security of women while trying to earn their livelihood and to sustain and support their families. “Women should be able to live, work and move freely without any fear and insecurities,” NSCW said and conveyed its thoughts and prayers to the victim’s family during this unbearable time of grief.
NZPO: Expressing deep anguish over the incident, the Nagaland Zeliang People Organization (NZPO) said that the deceased, a devoted mother and wife from Mhaikam village, was allegedly assaulted, brutally raped, and murdered by unknown miscreants while she was on her way to collect vegetables—her daily means of earning a livelihood.
NZPO through its media cell strongly condemned the heinous and barbaric incident, saying it was appalled by “such an inhumane and atrocious act”.
The organisation said it was not only a crime against an individual but an attack on the dignity and safety of people, especially women, whose contributions to family and society were immeasurable.
NZPO has called upon the law enforcement agencies and the investigating authorities to take swift and punitive action. It demanded that culprits be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice without delay. NZPO also demanded capital punishment for those responsible.
Further, the organisation has appealed to all community members to remain vigilant, cooperative with the investigation, and united in their stand against such violence.
CPO: Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) strongly condemned the incident and said that such barbaric and inhumane act was utterly unacceptable and goes against the values of humanity and justice.
CPO through its president Zhato Kimho and joint secretary Noketho Charles Kikhi affirmed solidarity with the victim’s family and the Zeliangrong community during this time of immense grief and loss. CPO also urged the responsible authorities to take immediate and stringent action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that such atrocities were not repeated.
It further called upon all the communities to stand united and condemned this heinous crime.
AWO: Angami Women Organisation (AWO) expressed deep shock and outrage over the incident, saying “this despicable crime” was not only a violation of her dignity and life but also an attack on the safety and security of women at large.
AWO through its president Neithono R Sothu and general secretary Atono Kense said that the vulnerability of an innocent young mother, striving to earn a livelihood for her family, made this crime particularly reprehensible.
The Angami women organisation further said that this tragedy not only robbed a young child of his mother but also threatened the social fabric of the society, creating fear and insecurity amongst women and all peace-loving individuals. AWO affirmed solidarity with the bereaved family and offered condolences during this time of grief.
Meanwhile, AWO demanded a swift, thorough and impartial investigation by the law enforcing agency to bring the perpetrator (s) to justice and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law sending a message that such violence would not be tolerated in the society.
NWHD: Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) said it was appalled and outraged over the incident, which has shaken the whole community. NWHD through its information and publicity secretary Elizabeth said that such heinous crimes were not only an affront to human dignity but also a grave violation of the fundamental rights that every individual was entitled to.
The hoho also said that such acts of violence were utterly reprehensible and must be met with the strongest condemnation. “These serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future,” NWHD said.
The women hoho also called upon the responsible authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. NWHD said it stood in solidarity with the aggrieved family and prayed that the Almighty grant them comfort and strength at this juncture.
WCH: Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) vehemently condemned the incident and demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice without delay.
The hoho said this “abominable act” was not only a grave crime against humanity but also a vile affront to the sacred values of Naga culture, which holds the dignity and sanctity of women in the highest regard.
WCH through its president Dr. Chisoi Khusoh and press secretary Lhikhro Kreo said the sheer inhumanity of this crime shook the conscience of every right-thinking citizen.
WCH also called upon all upright citizens and civil society organizations to rise in unison and condemn “this heinous crime in the strongest terms.”
WCH affirmed unwavering solidarity with the Zeliangrong community, the bereaved family, and all organizations tirelessly pursuing justice for the victim. The hoho urged the law enforcement agencies and all relevant authorities to act with utmost urgency to apprehend the culprits at the earliest.
It said perpetrators must face the full force of the law, and stringent punishment must be meted out to send an unequivocal message that such crimes would not be tolerated in Nagaland.
PVC: Pimla Village Council (PVC) strongly condemned the heinous crime and asserted that “this brutal act of violence” has shocked and outraged the community. In a condemnation note, PVC chairman Kiyeho Swu and secretary conveyed condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim, affirmed solidarity with them and assured to extend its support and assistance.
PVC urged the responsible authorities to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice. It also called upon the law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the guilty were held accountable for their actions.
PVC also affirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all people, particularly women and children. The council said it would work with local authorities to strengthen community safety measures.
Further, PVC urged all members of the community to come together to condemn the crime and demand justice for the victim and her family.
DDCC: Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCC) vehemently condemned the horrific rape and murder of a young mother from Mhaikam village, saying “this barbaric act of violence” has sent shockwaves across Nagaland, exposing the persistent threats to women’s safety and dignity in the society.
DDCC through its president Kutoho Chishi and general secretary Kumjimong said the incident underscored the urgent need for systemic accountability and justice. The party said that such crimes were not only an assault on humanity but also a glaring failure of governance to protect vulnerable citizens.
DDCC demand swift and transparent investigation and ensure that perpetrators were identified, arrested, and prosecuted under the strictest legal provisions.
District Congress unit also sought financial aid, counselling, and legal assistance to the victim’s family. It also demanded urgent measures to safeguard women in rural and urban areas, including increased police patrolling, community vigilance programs, and improved emergency response systems.
Further DDCC demanded review of law enforcement mechanisms to address “systemic failures” and prevent recurrence of such atrocities. DCC also called upon the district administration and state government to treat this case as a top priority and ensure justice was delivered without compromise.
ILO: Impa Lui Organisation (ILO) Assam, Manipur and Nagaland expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the gruesome murder and said it was devastated by such an act of barbarism.
ILO through its chairman Rachubui Pame said that “this ghastly murder of a human life” was a profound disregard for humanitarian values and a serious violation of the fundamental right to life. “Murdering a mother in cold blood after outraging her modesty is the vilest act in nature and can never be justified,” ILO said.
It appealed to the responsible authority to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible were brought to book and award the most stringent penalty without delay.
“Such an act of sadism shall never be tolerated in our society,” ILO said and shared expressed condolences to the family.
WSYF: Western Sumi Youth Front expressed outrage over the horrific incident and affirmed solidarity with the family of the victim and the community of Mhaikam village.
WSYF through its vice president Mughaka Chophy and general secretary Botoho Achumi said that the brutality of the crime was beyond comprehension, adding it was stark reminder of the gross injustice and daily threats faced by women, particularly those from marginalized and working-class communities.
The youth body demanded that the administration and law enforcement agencies treat this case with utmost urgency and ensure that no stone was left unturned in identifying and arresting the perpetrator(s).
Further, WSYF urged the authorities to put in place stronger protective mechanisms, particularly for women working in informal sectors who were often the most at risk and the least protected.
WNYF: Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) through its convenor Aga Rengma expressed deep anguish over the incident and said it was a grave crime that strikes at the very core of human dignity and values.
“Such vile and despicable acts have no place in a civilized society,” WNYF said and affirmed full solidarity with the victim’s family and the entire Zeliangrong community during this time of pain and sorrow. WNYF pledged its support in seeking justice and truth.
WNYF also urged the law enforcement authorities to immediately act with full seriousness, conduct an impartial and thorough investigation, and ensure that the perpetrators were arrested and punished without delay.
It also called upon all Naga communities and civil societies to stand united in rejecting such crimes and to reaffirm collective commitment to protect the rights and safety of women, children, and all innocent lives.
DNSU: Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) through its media cell expressed shock over the incident and maintained that “this reprehensible act”, perpetrated by a heartless individual, was an affront to humanity and a stain on the society.
The union denounced “this barbaric deed” and described it as an act of “extreme cowardice.” DNSU also demanded immediate and decisive action from the law enforcement agencies to launch a swift and thorough investigation. “Justice must be served without delay, and the perpetrator must be held accountable for their detestable actions,” DNSU said.
It also extended condolences to the grieving family and prayed that the Almighty grant them the strength and solace to endure this immeasurable loss.
WSSU: Western Siimi Students’ Union (WSSU) expressed deep shock and outrage over the incident and said that “such a horrific act” had no place in any society, especially within a community rooted in Christian values of peace, compassion, and respect for human life.
Strongly condemning the crime, the union urged the authorities to ensure that justice was swiftly delivered. It also called upon the community to stand united against such acts of violence and to uphold the sanctity of human life. WSSU expressed condolences and unwavering solidarity with the bereaved family during this painful and difficult time.
ZYOC: Zeliang Youth Organization, Chümoukedima (ZYOC) condemned the incident and said it was “deeply disturbed by this grave act shown towards our community”.
ZYOC through its president Richard Zeliang and general secretary Gimgim Liegise urged all the responsible authorities to treat the incident with utmost priority.
It said that “this despicable act of violence” has shocked the entire community leaving family, friends and loved ones grappling with unbearable grief and anguish.
Further, condemning the act, ZYOC demanded that those responsible be brought to the book and take every measure to prevent the recurrence of such acts. It expressed hope that the responsible authorities would bring justice and restore peace and security among the community.
DLYO: Dimapur Lotha Youth Organization (DLYO) expressed shock and outrage over the incident and said “this inhuman act” has shaken the conscience of the community, adding it was a direct attack on the sanctity and safety of life in the society.
DLYO through its media cell demand that the law enforcement authorities leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrator(s) were swiftly apprehended and brought to justice. It said such acts of violence had no place in a civil society and must be dealt with firmly and without delay.
DLYO conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and also affirmed solidarity with them and assured to extend its full support in their pursuit of justice.
Th youth body appealed to the public to cooperate with the investigating authorities by providing any information that could aid in the speedy resolution of the case. DLYO urged the district administration and police to enhance security measures to ensure the safety of all residents, particularly women and children.
CAKU: Chakhro Angami Kuda Students’ Union (CAKSU) expressed deep pain and outrage over the incident and said that such a crime not only shattered the lives of families but also wounded the conscience of the society.
CAKSU through its president Alenuo Delie and general secretary Visimetuo Nagi strongly condemned “this inhuman and barbaric act” and appealed to all community members to remain united in condemning such acts and upholding the dignity and safety of every individual.
CAKSU also affirmed solidarity with the bereaved families and urged the authorities to carry out a swift and impartial investigation and ensure that the perpetrator was brought to justice without delay. It extended condolences to the family of the victim.
ZSUD: Zeliang Students’ Union Dimapur (ZSUD) expressed sorrow and anguish over the incident, which it said was not only shocking but also reflected a grave threat to the safety and dignity of women in the society.
ZSUD through its media cell strongly condemned “this heinous crime” and demanded that the law enforcement agencies take immediate and swift action to ensure that the perpetrator(s) were identified, arrested, and brought to justice without delay. The union said justice must not only be served but must also be seen to be served.
ZSUD said it stood in solidarity with the bereaved family during this hour of grief. The union further urged the authorities to expedite the investigation process and ensure that such monstrous acts were not repeated.
ZSUD affirmed it would not remain a silent spectator, but closely monitor the progress of the investigation. The union said it would not hesitate to initiate democratic and lawful measures to ensure justice for their sister.
NPF minority wing: Naga Peoples Front (NPF) minority wing expressed deep sadness over the “horrific crime” committed by unidentified persons. NPF minority wing central president BK Bishnu Bhattacharjee unequivocally condemned the “egregious act” and demanded that the perpetrators be apprehended and punished in an exemplary manner.
PDCC: Peren District Congress Committee (PDCC) has strongly condemned the incident and affirmed that it stood together in solidarity with every person and sections of society protesting across the state against condemning this unforgivable crime committed against an innocent woman, who earned her livelihood and supporting the family by selling fruits and vegetables.
PDCC through its president Namrachang Hegui and general secretary (admin) Seikholun Khongsai expressed deep shock over the incident demanded speedy justice for this horrible crime.
PDCC appealed to the law enforcement authority to immediately book the culprit and take up stem action as per the laws of the land so such heinous crime did not repeat in the future.
AASU: Aqahuto Area Students’ Union (AASU) through its president N Sumika Swu and general secretary H Anguvi Chishi expressed aghast over the incident and said the gruesome murder has left all in a state of deep shock.
Condemning the “inhuman act in the strongest possible terms”, the urged the responsible law enforcing authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter and bring culprits to justice at the earliest.
AASU also appealed to all the right-thinking citizens to stand in solidarity with the victim’s family until justice was served.
ZYOD: Zeliang Youth Organization Dimapur (ZYOD) through its media cell expressed outrage over the incident and maintained that “such act of brutality has shaken our community.”
The youth body said that “this heinous crime” was a gross violation of human rights and dignity. ZYOD strongly condemned the incident and demanded immediate action by the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. It also demanded that concrete steps be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
The organisation affirmed solidarity with the victim’s family and called upon the community to come together to create a safer and more just society for all.
TSUD: Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) through its president Sotilo Seb and general secretary Chiehepe Kapfo expressed shock and anguish over the incident and said that “this unspeakable crime” was an affront to humanity, a violation of the sanctity of life, and a stark reminder of the persistent and pervasive violence that continues to plague the society.
The union urged the law enforcement agencies to take immediate and swift action to ensure that the perpetrators(s) were identified, arrested and brought to justice without delay.
TSUD also appealed to all sections of society to rise up against this violence and to actively cooperate with the authorities in ensuring that justice prevails. The union also affirmed solidarity with the grieving family, the Zeliangrong community, and all those who were outraged and heartbroken by this horrific tragedy.