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KOHIMA — Hundreds of protestors, including elderly citizens, took to the streets of Kohima on Monday, demanding justice for Kezhalelie Lawrence Miasalhou, who died at a hospital in the state capital on Sunday, hours after being physically assaulted by two persons on the previous day.
The Western Angami Youth Organisation (WAYO) organised the rally, which began at Merhülietsa/Paramedical Junction and ended at the office of the deputy commissioner.
Before submitting a memorandum to the deputy commissioner, a public gathering was held at Old MLA Hostel Junction, near the incident site. Leaders of all four Angami youth organisations (Western, Northern, Southern and Chakhroma) and the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) addressed the crowd.
Some protestors demanded meeting the two accused -- Neizosetuo Kire and Khrietsonyü Whuorie – expressing disappointment at the “mere” submission of memorandum to the deputy commissioner (DC), which was read out at the public gathering.
After the memorandum was submitted, protestors outside the DC complex expressed anger over the lack of specified punishment for the accused. However, the crowd dispersed following deliberations with leaders.
The memorandum demanded that bail be denied to the two accused, who were arrested by the Kohima police.
The WAYO warned that anyone attempting to secure bail for the accused would be held responsible for any untoward consequences. It further urged the office to treat the case with utmost seriousness so that justice is delivered at the earliest.
“As per Naga tradition, it is the duty of the elders to reprimand and correct young people for their misdemeanour. However, it is unfathomable and barbaric for young people to react with brute force to the extent of taking an elder's life. The Western Angami Youth Organisation condemns this heinous crime in the strongest term,” read the memorandum, demanding exemplary punishment for the accused.
The deceased, Political Assistant (and not personal assistant as rendered in our previous reports) to the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, was assaulted on Saturday evening in Phoolbhari, Kohima, following a traffic-related argument. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day. His funeral was held at his residence in Sechü-Zubza on Sunday.
The two accused, both from Kohima village, were arrested by the Kohima police and charged under sections 323/325/352/302 of the Indian Penal Code in the North Police station.
Meanwhile, president of WAYO, Neitolie Khrietuo Peseyie said that the DC had assured them of taking up the case and expressed grief over the incident and the demise of his staff.
He said that the fatal incident was caused by a ‘small issue’ where the victim attempted to overtake a vehicle by honking on a one-way road.
“Nagas used to respect elders a lot but that was not in this case. Even if there is a fight, when elders reprimand us, we should obey that but this was not the case,” Peseyie said.
He added that they were angry but also believe that the living God, who knows who is right and wrong, will reward them accordingly.
Leaders of the Western Angami Public Organisation, Southern Angami Youth Organisation, Chakhroma Youth Organisation, Northern Angami Youth Organisation, Angami Youth Organisation, and Mezomia Mechü Kehou addressed the gathering, demanding justice for the victim. Condemning the act, they stated that society has no place for such people and demanded justice be delivered at the earliest possible time.
Some of them also pointed out the two accused, who are wrestlers, had brought shame to the wrestling community.
Following the protest, the WAYO issued a statement expressing gratitude to all individual, groups, colonies and organisations from the different villages across the four Angami ranges for their solidarity.
“WAYO thanks each and everyone for making the rally a peaceful one,” it said, adding that without their compassion, moral support and participation, the rally would not have had the impact that it has had.