In a strong reaction to the brutal murder of 22-year-old Vihozhonu Zao, the Porütso Khel of Jakhama invoked its customary law and vandalised properties at the residential home of the accused, Samuel, in Old Minister’s Hill Kohima and also expelled the victim’s aunt and grandmother from the village on November 8.

The Khel also made clear its demand of capital punishment for the accused. Elders of the community said that as per their customary law, murder is considered a grave taboo. The community warned that they would take their own course of action as per the customary law on the accused Samuel if he is found roaming free.

In connection with the murder, the community ostracised the victim’s aunt and grandmother as well from the village for a period of seven years, although their involvement in the killing is yet to be established by the investigating agency.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

“The murder of our sister is a heinous crime and we demand capital punishment for Samuel. If he is not given capital punishment, we will take matters into their our own hands,” said a spokesperson of the Porütso Khel.
The community also clarified that the accused is not an original son of the land but an adopted son, and therefore, should not be given the title “Zao”.
The murder has sparked tensions in the community, with the Khel elders and youth emphasizing that their customary law dictates severest punishment for such crimes.