Civil bodies, organisations demand justice for Vihozhonu Zao

DIMAPUR — Multiple organisations have strongly condemned the alleged murder of 22-year-old Vihozhonu Zao, whose body was found near her residence at Old Ministers’ Hill Colony, Kohima, on October 25.

AWO: The Angami Women Organisation (AWO) expressed deep shock and outrage over the tragic death of the young woman.

In a condemnation note, the organisation stated that “such a gruesome and inhumane act has no place in a civilised society” and called upon law enforcement authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly identified and brought to justice.

AWO welcomed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) but demanded a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation to bring the perpetrators of the act to justice, emphasising that accountability must be upheld to the fullest extent of the law.

It expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and urged the public to support the investigation process and remain vigilant against all forms of violence against women.

Also read: Organisations condemn murder of 22-year-old woman in Kohima

TWUN: The Tenyimia Women Union Nagaland (TWUN) described it as a “brutal and senseless murder” and said it was “an affront to humanity and a direct assault on the safety and dignity of women in our society”. The union expressed distress that such a tragedy occurred in Kohima, a city recognised as one of the safest for women in India.

TWUN called upon law enforcement authorities to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly arrested and brought to justice, urging the state government to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served.

It expressed condolences to the bereaved family, calling upon the public, community leaders, and civil society organisations to reinforce a culture of respect, protection, and accountability.

AKMWC: The Association of Kohima Municipal Ward and Council (AKMWC) also expressed shock at the murder, terming it “horrific and most brutal”.

It lamented the loss of ‘an innocent soul whose bright and promising future dreams were shattered’. The council urged law enforcement agencies to investigate promptly and unearth the truth behind the crime.

AKMWC appealed to citizens to support the bereaved family and stated, “Let us all unite our hearts in prayers for her families at this hard time of pain and grief.”

SAPO: The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) called for immediate arrest and prosecution of the culprit responsible for the murder of Vihozhonu Zao.

SAPO appealed to the government and the superintendent of police, Kohima, to take “immediate and uncompromising action” and condemned the act as “an egregious act of brutality that flagrantly violates our cultural values, societal norms, and the principles of justice.”

The organisation demanded a comprehensive and transparent investigation while assuring “full cooperation and coordination throughout the arrest and investigation process”.

CSU: The Chakhroma Students’ Union (CSU) expressed deep sorrow at the untimely demise of Zao, calling the incident a “heinous act” and extending condolences to the bereaved family.

The union urged authorities to leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators are brought to justice, stating that “Late Vihozhonu Zao’s life deserves truth, accountability, and justice, nothing less.”

ASU: The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) termed the killing “inhumane and barbaric”, noting that it has shaken the collective conscience of the people and created fear within the community.

The union called upon the state government and law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against the perpetrators and ensure justice is delivered without delay.

ASU further urged the government to address growing concerns over public safety, particularly for women and youth, and restore faith in the rule of law. It reaffirmed its commitment to oppose any act that undermines the sanctity of human life, stating, “Justice for Vihozhonu Zao must prevail for her, for her family, and for the dignity of every human being.”

MYO: The Mima Youth Organisation (MYO) also expressed shock over the “inhuman and brutal murder” and condemned the act “in the strongest possible terms”.

MYO extended condolences and solidarity to the bereaved family, urging law enforcement agencies to deliver justice swiftly and hold those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.

NPWF: The National People's Women Front (NPWF) expressed profound grief and deep outrage, condemning “in the strongest terms the brutal and heartbreaking murder of Late Miss Vihozhonu Zao”. The organisation said her “untimely and cruel death has shaken our hearts and conscience as a society”.

NPWF described Vihozhonu as “a young girl with dreams, hope, and a future ahead of her—all of which were snatched away by a senseless act of violence.”

It stated that no words can truly express the pain and anguish felt at this moment. The NPWF demanded that authorities leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law, adding that “justice delayed is justice denied.”

The organisation reiterated the urgent need to build a society where women can live without fear, where their safety, dignity, and rights are always protected.