Kohima, Sep. 15 (EMN): The body of police inspector Neiphretuo Metsie-o who had gone missing since September 7, was found in a jungle between Zuketsa and Zapami in Phek district on Saturday morning.
Police sources say the body was found with a bullet wound on the head and limbs tied, at around 8 am Saturday by a combined search team consisting of police and community groups. The 37-year-old cop, a father of four, who hails from Chiechama village was posted at the C-Company of the 5th NAP battalion in Pfutsero town.
His remains were said to have been found about a 100 feet below the road.
A brief send off prayer programme was conducted at the site, after which, the body was taken to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima for post mortem. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio received the body along with mourners at Lerie junction in Kohima and presented wreaths.
A solemn guard of honour was accorded by the personnel of 4th NAP Thizama. Condolence messages from the chief minister, deputy chief minister and the DGP Nagaland were read out during the funeral service.
Sources say that the female suspect was apprehended in neighbouring Manipur state and was under the custody of the Ukhrul district women police cell. It was reported that the suspected accused, one Ringthingchon along with her companion, Yuireingam Shimray had halted for a night at Lower Phaibung village. The village authorities have issued a declaration on Saturday that they would their ‘fullest operation’ to assist the investigating authorities to nab the culprit involved in the case.
Meanwhile the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) issued a statement on Saturday evening stating that it was ‘extremely pained’ by the murder.
“We are totally pained by these continuous murdering spree and vehicle thefts. It is totally unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” it stated and demanded the government immediately arrest the perpetrators.
Tangkhul organisations condemn murder
Various civil organisations of the Tangkhul community have condemned the ‘barbaric’ killing. A joint statement issued by the Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Shanao Long, and Tangkhul Mayar Nagala Long on Saturday appealed the authorities to book the culprit at the earliest. The organisations have appealed ‘every Tangkhul’ to extend all possible help towards arresting the perpetrators. They also expressed condolences with the victim’s family.
