The Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Council (AKMWC) has demanded the setting up of a new Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in the state capital Kohima or revive the erstwhile Kohima FSL and deploy adequate personnel.

The demand comes in the backdrop of the brutal murder of a 22-years-old woman in Kohima on October 25 where the council noted that the dead body was discovered and reported to the police as early as 7 AM but the forensic personnel from the only FSL in the state- Dimapur, arrived after 2 PM for crime scene examination. This, the AKMWC pointed out, subjected the bereaved family, friends and neighbours to needless torment and anguishing wait for over seven hours due to the lack of FSL at Kohima.

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In a letter to the Home Commissioner Nagaland, the council stated that the indispensable role of forensic science in crime scene management, scientific investigation, and production of court-admissible evidence cannot be overstated.

“The absence of such facilities and personnel in Kohima has long handicapped law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, resulting in delay or denial of justice for victims and society,” the letter said.

Stating that it can no longer remain a mute spectator, the AKMWC urgently implored upon the state government for setting up of a new FSL facility in Kohima or revive the erstwhile lab and deploy adequate trained personnel. The council also demanded for expedite the Nagaland FSL Dimapur operations to “reach full capacity”.