Zeliangrong groups relax Peren bandh for 15 days after Dimapur rally, demanding justice, forensic report, and government action.
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DIMAPUR — The conglomerate of Zeliangrong organisations has announced a 15-day relaxation of the ongoing indefinite bandh in Peren district, effective from 8 pm on Monday, following a massive protest rally earlier in the day at Supermarket, Dimapur, where thousands gathered to demand justice for the late Kesutlungle, who was murdered at Pimla on April 7.
In a statement issued after the rally, the Zeliangrong Youth Organisation (ZYON), Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN) and Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation (ZMON) said that the relaxation was in response to the “powerful and peaceful solidarity” demonstrated by the public.
They explained that the 15-day period was meant to give the government time to act on their demands—including declaring the culprits involved in the case, submitting the pending forensic report, and establishing a forensic science laboratory in Nagaland. They warned that if the government fails to respond within the stipulated time, a third and more intense phase of agitation would follow.
Also read: Dimapur Police file interim chargesheet in Pimla murder case
Earlier in the day, the rally saw speeches from leaders of ZYON, ZSUN, ZMON, the Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF), and representatives of several Dimapur-based organisations.
Apeuna Iheilung, president of Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation, said that despite the arrest of the prime accused, justice had not been delivered. She criticised the authorities for giving repeated excuses of a pending forensic report and said women could no longer remain “silent spectators” while their safety was at risk.
“If the government cannot deliver justice, it is encouraging criminals to commit more crimes against women,” she said.
ZYON president R John Zeliang described the present government as the “weakest,” accusing it of failing to safeguard Naga women while claiming to promote women’s empowerment. He said that the time for waiting was over and urged Nagas to rise above their comfort zones and unite.
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He also criticised the government for not setting up a forensic laboratory in the state despite spending “crores of rupees on the Hornbill Festival.”
Adaube Hiekha Hau, president of ZSUN, said that the demand for justice was not only a fight of the Zeliangrong people but of the Naga community as a whole.
Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland president Wingam Nring added that negligence and inaction by the government had brought “shame upon the Naga community,” stressing that their struggle was for the dignity and safety of all Naga women.
Dimapur Naga Students’ Union general secretary Michael Kath said they had gathered not only for the late Kesutlungle but also for “every sister who wonders if she will return home safely.”
WNYF interim president Aga Rengma said the issue was not merely about a murder case but about delayed justice and government negligence. He warned that if the government cannot deliver swift justice and continues its “lackadaisical attitude,” the future would be grim.
Other speakers included Naga Council Dimapur councillor K Francis, relatives of the late Kesutlungle, and representatives of the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Rengma Mothers’ Association, Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation, Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation, Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation, and Jalukie Kamdi Mipui Organisation.
Following the rally, the organisations submitted a memorandum to the commissioner of police, Dimapur, demanding that the culprits be declared and the pending forensic report be submitted within 15 days. They also called for the establishment of an FSL in Nagaland. The ultimatum warned that failure to comply would compel the organisations to approach higher authorities.
Later, speaking to media persons, ZYON president R John Zeliang expressed strong resentment over the government’s handling of the case. He said the organisations had exhausted all channels of communication and warned that if the government continued to ignore their sentiments, “the tears of our women will now turn into fire.”
While stating that they did not wish to cause hardship to the public, he warned the organisation would not remain silent if the government fails to act within the stipulated time.
In the evening statement announcing the 15-day relaxation, the organisations urged citizens to remain vigilant and united, saying they sincerely hoped the government would act within the period to avoid escalation. They added that the leadership would not be held responsible for any untoward incidents arising from public anger if their demands were ignored.
With the announcement, all government-registered vehicles and transport vehicles can resume plying, and seized vehicles have also been released.