The Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON) and the Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN) have announced the launch of the second phase of their agitation, set to begin on June 10, in response to the unresolved Pimla murder case that occurred on April 7. As part of the protest, the organizations have declared an indefinite shutter-down across Peren district, which will remain in effect until justice is delivered.
This was announced by president, ZYON, R John Zeliang, at a press conference on June 6, held at Residency Colony, Dimapur. The decision was made following an emergency meeting convened on June 4.
The two organizations cited the state government’s continued silence and inaction, despite multiple appeals and assurances, as the reason for escalating the agitation.
Previously, civil society organizations (CSOs) under Peren district organized a mass peace rally on April 26 at Mhaikam local ground, drawing widespread support from the Naga community. The first phase of agitation, held earlier, lasted for four days but was temporarily suspended after a meeting with the state’s Home Commissioner on April 29. During that meeting, a two-week timeframe was initially set for the government to take action, later extended to one month at the request of the commissioner.
However, with the extended period now concluded and no progress communicated by the authorities, the organizations have resolved to resume their protest. They emphasized that their movement is not just for the people of Peren but for justice across Nagaland.
ZYON and ZSUN have raised concerns about the government’s handling of the case, questioning the lack of follow-up and communication. They also expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in forensic and DNA testing, calling out the government’s failure to equip law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools.
The CSOs have also attempted to reach Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, under whose Assembly constituency the incident occurred, but were unsuccessful. They questioned how many more government offices they need to approach to secure justice.
The organizations confirmed that five individuals, including the victim’s husband, have been arrested, but insisted that justice has yet to be served. They warned that they would not be responsible for any untoward incidents during the agitation and urged the public in Peren to stock essential supplies ahead of the protest.
Calling on the wider Naga community, the groups have appealed for collective support, framing the case as a broader issue of justice and accountability in the state.
