An alleged habitual offender, Mark Morekiu, reportedly assaulted an individual, Rekiumong in Kiusam Town, Kiphire, on October 20, 2024. According to an update received here, Morekiu, a resident of Lerie Colony, Kohima, and a Primary Teacher at GPS Chikiuponger Village in Kiphire, allegedly attacked the victim with the “intent to kill”. The assault occurred at the victim’s residence, with his wife and children present. The assailant reportedly attacked the victim under the false pretext of soliciting his cooperation for an unregistered and unrecognized organization, the “Chikiuponger Joint Citizens Union.”
“Consequently, an FIR was lodged by me at Kiphire Police Station on the 21st October 2024. The statement of the accused was taken on the 23rd October 2024, whereas, my (victim) statement was taken on the next day (i.e, 24th October 2024). Much to my dismay, my photographs were clicked only after 7 (seven) days of the assault and not at the site of the incident,” the update read.
This incident is reportedly not the first time Morekiu has been involved in violent behavior. According to the victim, Morekiu has a long history of violent offenses. “In the year 2009, he assaulted four persons at Kiusam Town in a single day. In the year 2015, he assaulted a Goan Bura of Longtsonger village and for which an FIR was lodged at Kiphire Police Station. In the year 2021, he threatened to murder my first cousin and his entire family unprovoked. In the year 2023, he assaulted a man at the DUDA Office in the presence of its officials for no rhyme and reason. In this regard, an FIR was lodged at North Police Station Kohima,” the update claimed.
Despite these multiple incidents, Morekiu has managed to evade arrest, reportedly due to his connections with influential figures, raising concerns over the rule of law. The victim has urged the Director General of Police to intervene and ensure the FIR is processed without political interference.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Morekiu has allegedly filed a counter FIR against the victim, attempting to exert pressure for the withdrawal of the original FIR.
“The counter FIR lodged by the culprit pertains to the case in which one person from Raichem Village casted a spell (witchcraft) upon my father which led to sudden deterioration of his health. Upon discovery of his act, he begged for mercy, and so he was forgiven with an undertaking not to repeat his acts in the near future. Therefore, the assailant (Mark Morekiu), being a third party, bringing up an already settled case, is baseless and devoid of truth,” it stated.
The victim has vowed to pursue justice, stating that he will “go to any length to unearth the truth about the nefarious activities” of Morekiu and those complicit in any cover-up. He emphasized that anyone involved in shielding the assailant would be held accountable under the law.