The Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON) has decided to defer its four-day ultimatum to the state government, choosing dialogue over confrontation after a meeting with the Dimapur Commissioner of Police (CP), Kevithuto Sophie, on April 14.

Following the alleged rape and murder of a vegetable vendor from Mhaikam village in Peren district on April 7, the ZYON’s ultimatum issued on April 11 had demanded swift justice, including the release of post-mortem and forensic reports, and immediate arrest of the perpetrators. The deadline was set to expire on April 14, with the organization warning of intensified agitation if the demands were unmet.

However, following what ZYON described as a “satisfactory” discussion with the CP, the organisation has decided to put its ultimatum on hold. The meeting, attended by ZYON, the Zeliangrong students’ union Nagaland, and the Zeliang youth organization Dimapur, was led by ZYON President R. John Zeliang.

Speaking to the media, Zeliang noted that the conversation with the CP had restored a degree of trust in the investigation process. “The meeting went positively, and we were quite satisfied with the assurance provided,” he stated.

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Although the organization initially believed the incident involved sexual violence, Zeliang clarified that it was, in fact, a “murder” case, distancing it from earlier assumptions. He refrained from disclosing further details, including the number of suspects apprehended, but assured that updates would be made available soon, as promised by the police.

The decision to suspend the ultimatum followed internal consultations with ZYON’s subordinate bodies. According to Zeliang, the approach aimed to give space for the authorities to act while maintaining community solidarity and vigilance.

ZYON had previously staged a peaceful rally on April 11. Though the ultimatum has been put on hold, the organization maintained that it remains committed to pursuing the matter with seriousness.