Large number of citizens in Kohima turned up on November 18 for a peaceful rally organized by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) to demand justice for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Vihozhonu Zao. The rally was held in response to the shocking and suspicious circumstances surrounding Zao’s death on October 25, which has led to widespread outrage throughout Nagaland.
After a short program held at PHQ Junction the gathering marched towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where SAYO submitted a memorandum addressed to the chief minister.
Addressing the gathering, SAYO president, Zasitsolie Beio stated that the injuries sustained by the victim indicated she may have endured severe pain. He expressed doubts that the crime was committed by a single individual, describing it as “premeditated.”
Beio further assured the crowd that SAYO would work closely with the police until all those responsible were apprehended. The organization, he said, is demanding the harshest possible punishment under the law for those involved.
Neithono Sothu, president of the Angami Women’s Organisation (AWO), emphasized that the rally was a powerful expression of the community’s outrage against gender-based violence. Representing women of all ages, she condemned the brutal murder allegedly occurring within the victim’s own home as a violation that had profoundly shaken their sense of security and trust in their own surroundings.
Sothu described Vihozhonu as a young woman full of potential, whose life was brutally taken by those she trusted. Calling the act a shocking betrayal, she questioned how such hatred could be directed at someone so promising.
Referencing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), she called for the harshest punishment for both the perpetrators and their accomplices, urging a transparent and thorough investigation.
She also expressed the AWO’s full solidarity with the victim’s family and vowed to closely monitor the case’s progress.
Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) president, Kesosul Christopher Ltu stated that the large turnout reflected the community’s resolve for justice. While acknowledging the SIT’s efforts, he emphasized the need for clarity on the numerous allegations and assumptions surrounding the case. He insisted that no one, including family members, should be above scrutiny, stressing that justice required both accountability for the guilty and dignity for the falsely accused.
Ltu also raised concerns about ongoing harassment and eve-teasing in the city, noting that women still faced unsafe situations despite the murder case. He urged men to take responsibility for women’s safety and called on women to step forward as witnesses when incidents occur. Ltu reaffirmed AYO’s full support for SAYO’s demands and called for a collective commitment to protecting women.
Dr Hovisuto Khieya, vice president of Jakhama Youth Organisation, called the murder a violation of family’s sacred bonds, emphasizing that the victim’s life was “stolen in the place she should have felt safest.” He highlighted her achievements in basketball and academics, noting her death sparked statewide vigils and protests.
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Visezole Sophie, president of Southern Angami Women Organisation (SAWO), called the crime one of the community’s most shocking, demanding the harshest punishment for the accused and urging the police to speed up the investigation.
Kekhüsezo Zao, representing Porütso Khel, recalled the victim’s promising future as an athlete and student. He shared that the clan, fueled by anger and grief, had vandalized the accused’s property and ostracized certain family members over suspected involvement. The clan is calling for capital punishment and a fully transparent investigation.
The program led by SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio . Rev. Lodiho Thapo, Pastor of Viswema Baptist Church, opened the gathering with a heartfelt invocation.
Leaders from the Western, Chakhroma, and Northern Angami Youth Organisations joined SAYO in solidarity, all united in their call for justice.
After the rally, SAYO submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner.
In the memorandum, SAYO stated that the crime had “shaken the conscience of the entire community” and created heightened fear among women and young girls.
The organisation called for the immediate apprehension of all persons involved directly or indirectly in the crime, stating that “no perpetrator or accomplice must remain at large.” It demanded strict and deterrent punishment under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, and urged the State government to ensure uncompromised prosecution so that exemplary punishment could be delivered.
SAYO also requested that no bail be granted to any of the accused, stating that given the seriousness of the offence, bail posed risks including intimidation of witnesses. The memorandum further appealed to authorities to oppose any attempt by individuals to secure the release of the accused “under any circumstances.”
The organisation urged the SIT to “leave no stone unturned” and to ensure a speedy, accurate and transparent probe. It appealed for the use of extensive technological tools such as CCTV and digital video forensics, mobile phone and call data analysis, DNA profiling, fingerprint identification, cyber forensics, GPS tracking and advanced autopsy imaging. SAYO asked for regular monitoring by senior police officials until all individuals involved in the murder and any alleged suppression of evidence were apprehended.
The organisation urged the government to increase police patrolling in vulnerable areas, fast-track cases of violence against women, enforce laws against sexual harassment and trafficking, install CCTV cameras in public spaces and transport hubs, and initiate community–police partnership programmes.
The memorandum also appealed for ex-gratia relief, legal assistance and counselling support for the bereaved family, describing their loss as “irreparable.”
SAYO sought a public assurance from the chief minister reaffirming the government’s commitment to zero tolerance toward crimes against women, swift justice delivery and the safety of all citizens. It stated that the appeal reflected the collective pain and determination of the people and affirmed that SAYO would continue to stand firm until justice was delivered and concrete protections for women were in place.
