Condemnations have poured in over the alleged brutal murder of Vihozhonu Zao, a promising young basketball player from Jakhama village, whose death has sent shockwaves across Nagaland’s sporting and community circles.
The Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA), in a statement issued by its President Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd), and Honorary Secretary Sentiningsang Longkumer, said it was “deeply shocked and outraged by the brutal and senseless murder of Vihozhonu Zao, daughter of Late Keneithuto Zao.”
Describing her as “more than an athlete – a symbol of hope, discipline, and determination for countless young sportspersons across Nagaland,” the Association said her life, “full of promise and potential, has been cut short by an act of unimaginable violence.”
“This is not only a personal tragedy for her family and teammates but a devastating loss for the entire sporting community,” it stated.
The NBA called upon law enforcement authorities and state leadership to “leave no stone unturned in identifying and apprehending the perpetrator(s),” urging the government to ensure that justice is “swift and uncompromising, sending a clear and resolute message that such barbaric acts will not be tolerated in our society.”
“As we mourn the loss of one of our brightest talents, we also reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the dignity and safety of every athlete in Nagaland,” the statement read, adding that Vihozhonu’s legacy “will live on in the hearts of those she inspired.”
Meanwhile, the Jakhama Women Society (JWS) also issued a strong condemnation, describing the incident as “a dastardly and cowardly murder” of “an up-coming bright daughter of our community.”
“She was a gem of a child/person to the family and to our society. The heinous crime perpetuated towards a meek young girl with a promising future has shocked and shattered us to the core,” stated JWS Chairperson Nokehiele Khatso and General Secretary Zaküprale Richa.
Calling the act “a crime beyond a normal set of mind,” the JWS appealed to the authorities to “expedite the investigation with utmost urgency so as to bring about tranquillity and deliver justice in the best time.”
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The Society added that the incident has left many, particularly women and children, with a deep sense of insecurity, and urged immediate action to restore public confidence.
Vihozhonu, who had represented Nagaland at the U23 National Basketball Championship held in Guwahati earlier this year, was regarded as one of the state’s most promising women players.
The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) also strongly condemned the inhuman and brutal murder stating that the Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance of the case and is closely monitoring all developments.
“We appeal in the strongest terms to the law enforcement agencies to expedite the investigation and ensure that the perpetrator(s) of this heinous crime are brought to justice without delay. The Commission firmly reiterates that no stone will be left unturned until justice is delivered to the victim and her bereaved family,” the commission stated.
The NSCW also sought the cooperation of the colony citizens and the general public in extending all necessary support to the investigating authorities to ensure a fair, transparent, and swift process of justice.
