Zeliang Youth Organisation Nagaland demands an immediate probe into an alleged highway shooting incident targeting youths travelling from Dimapur to Jalukie.
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DIMAPUR — The Zeliang Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON) has condemned the alleged assassination attempt and criminal intimidation against a Zeliang youth and his companions on June 5.
According to a statement issued by ZYON, the victims were returning from Dimapur to Jalukie when an unidentified maroon Maruti Suzuki Alto vehicle allegedly began tailing them from the DIET Training Centre (Merryland) under Chümoukedima district.
The organisation stated that despite the victims repeatedly giving way, the occupants of the vehicle continued their pursuit. The situation allegedly escalated near Pimla, where an individual dressed in military camouflage attempted to intercept them.
According to the statement, between 1:50 am and 2 am, a gunshot was fired at the victims' vehicle. The bullet allegedly penetrated the front door of the vehicle and narrowly missed the occupants. The victims were reportedly pursued until they sought refuge at the Mhainamtsi check post.
The organisation stated that the incident was not merely an act of intimidation but a blatant attempt to murder innocent citizens on a public highway.
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It stated that no individual or group has the right to endanger innocent lives or terrorise citizens and added that public highways belong to the public and not to armed criminals and rogue elements.
The organisation demanded an immediate investigation and urged the district administrations and law enforcement agencies of Chümoukedima and Peren districts to register an FIR, mobilise intelligence resources and launch a probe to identify the perpetrators.
It also demanded the immediate arrest of those involved and that they be booked under the strictest provisions of the law, including the Arms Act and charges relating to attempt to murder.
The organisation further called for enhanced security measures, including increased night patrolling and improved security along the transit corridors between Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Jalukie.
The ZYON expressed solidarity with the victims and their families and appealed to citizens, village councils and civil society organisations along the route to share any information or CCTV footage related to the maroon Maruti Suzuki Alto during the specified period.
The organisation stated that failure to apprehend the culprits within a reasonable time frame would compel it to launch democratic agitations and that law enforcement authorities would be held responsible for any untoward escalation.
It demanded justice, accountability and the immediate restoration of safety on the roads, stating that "Justice delayed is justice denied".