In a deeply disturbing event, two individuals have been arrested for the alleged murder of Kezhalelie Lawrence, who died following a physical assault stemming from a traffic-related altercation in Kohima. The police have arrested two individuals in connection with the assault: Neizosetuo Kire, 24, and Khrietsonyü Whuorie, 25.
Sources confirmed that both the individuals were Naga Wrestlers.
According to the PRO, Kohima Police, on 18 May evening, a report was received at North Police Station that an elderly person has been hospitalized in a private hospital following a physical assault by some individuals in the aftermath of a vehicular traffic-related scuffle. The victim was later identified as Kezhalelie Lawrence who subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
In this regard, a criminal case was registered under Sections 323, 325, 352, and 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The Mezomia Mechü Kehou (MMK) released a statement detailing the incident. According to the MMK, “On the evening of the 18 May, 2024, around 4:40 PM, at Phoolbari Bus/Taxi stand resorted to hitting K Lawrence Misasalhou over no issue”.
“During the said incident, his son Thejavizo B Miasalhou was also assaulted when he went to save his father from the aforementioned persons. As a result of his injury, he was taken to Oking Hospital, Kohima and succumbed to death around 3:00 AM on the 19th May.”
“K Lawrence Miasalhou who is currently the President of Mezomia Mechü Kehou and also PA to Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, is an upright person and taking away his life can never be compromised nor accepted,” the MMK stated in a statement.
The MMK expressed their deep anguish and condemned the crime, demanding stringent punishment for the perpetrators. They urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that the culprits receive no bail and that justice is swiftly served.
“The Mezomia citizens have lost one of its finest leaders and we pray that his innocent soul rests in eternal peace. We shall fight until justice is delivered,” stated Mhiesibeizo Vikhrie, Vice President MMK, and Khrisakuolie Khawakhrie, Joint Secretary MMK, in a press release.
In response to the incident, the Western Angami Youth Organization (WAYO) has announced a public rally on May 20 to protest the murder. The rally will commence at 10 AM at Paramedical Junction and proceed to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, for the submission of a memorandum. WAYO has called on all Western Angami citizens to join the rally, requesting them to assemble at the starting point by 9:30 AM.