The Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) has prohibited adoption of non-local individuals within its jurisdiction, in connection with the late Vihozhonu Zao murder case of 2025.

SAYO’s directive comes into effect from May 1, 2026, and is aimed at safeguarding the integrity and well-being of the indigenous Southern Angami community.

In a press release, SAYO President, Zasitsolie Beio stated that the organization has decided to strictly ban such adoptions to ensure community safety and preserve the values and identity of the indigenous population.

As per the directive, no individual or family under the jurisdiction of Southern Angami would be allowed to adopt non-local persons. The organization warned that any violation of this order will invite stringent action.

Penalties for non-compliance may include exile from the village, cancellation or revocation of Scheduled Tribe and Indigenous Inhabitant certificates of the violator, and exposure to risks arising from unforeseen circumstances.

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The organization also stated that additional measures may be taken as deemed appropriate.

Further, in cases where such adoptions are concealed and later detected, the Scheduled Tribe and Indigenous Inhabitant certificates of both the adopted individual and the adopting family will be immediately cancelled from the date of detection.

SAYO also informed that individuals failing to comply with the directive would not receive any support from the organization in the future.

The decision was approved during the SAYO Presidential Meeting held on April 18, 2026, at Kidima Village under Kezocha Block in Kohima district. The organization has urged all members of the Southern Angami community to strictly adhere to the directive and refrain from adopting non-local individuals.