Zeliangrong groups to launch indefinite agitation over Pimla murder case

DIMAPUR — Four months and seven days after the brutal killing of a mother—whose body was discovered on April 7 between Mhaikam and Pimla villages—the murder case has seen no progress, triggering renewed outrage among Zeliangrong organisations.

With justice still elusive and the prime accused out on bail, the Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON), Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN), Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation (ZMO), along with the Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF), on Thursday announced the launch of their second phase of indefinite “aggressive agitation” starting August 19 in Peren district.

The groups warned that if this phase fails to deliver justice, they will escalate actions—including shutting down the commissioner of police’s office with the support of other Naga stakeholders.

Announcing the decision at a press conference in Dimapur, ZYON president R John Zeliang said that the agitation will involve closure of all administrative and government offices, a ban on movement government vehicles, and blocking of National Highway-29A to stop inter-state transport.

Also read: Zeliangrong bodies express disappointment over bail in Pimla murder case

Citing the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report, Zeliang claimed that the prime accused, Chuba Jamir, had admitted to the crime. He questioned the SIT’s handling of the case, highlighting lapses such as failure to preserve the crime scene, search the accused person’s house, record his confession, and include it in the charge sheet.

Reiterating its previous demand, Zeliang said that those who secure bail for the accused should face the same punishment. He informed that the two individuals who had signed the bail bond have since withdrawn their signatures.

Declaring there would be no further meetings with the state government or law enforcement agencies, Zeliang demanded justice by August 19 and warned that the agitation would continue until it is delivered. He added that the government would be held responsible for any untoward incidents during the protest.

Accusing the state of “step-motherly” treatment towards the Zeliangrong community, Zeliang appealed to the wider Naga community to join their fight for justice.

Read more: Pimla murder case: Husband identified as prime suspect, Zeliangrong Youth Organisation suspends agitation

ZSUN president Adaube Hiekha Hau demanded the re-arrest of the prime accused and the prompt release of the forensic report. He alleged that the charge sheet was flawed, lacking sufficient evidence and witness statements, which resulted in the accused being granted bail.

ZMO president Apeuna Iheilung expressed frustration over the delay in receiving forensic results, noting that DNA tests in other cases are often completed within days. He urged the government to take the case seriously, pointing out the contradiction between promoting women’s empowerment and allowing the continued victimisation of women.

WNYF interim body co-convenor Aga Rengma slammed the state government’s “lackadaisical attitude” in solving criminal cases, questioning whether the absence of an opposition in the Assembly contributed to the slow pace. Given the reliance on forensic evidence due to the lack of eyewitnesses, Rengma said the prolonged delay—now into the fifth month—was unacceptable.

Offering a solution, he said the organisation was even willing to contribute funds to expedite forensic testing if finances were the issue.