With crimes against women on the rise, the Angami Women Organisation (AWO) has called on the State Government to urgently install CCTV cameras in critical and vulnerable areas and establish a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in the state capital.
In a statement issued on Monday, AWO warned that the lack of such infrastructure delays justice and puts citizens- especially women and children- at heightened risk. “CCTV cameras will not just deter crime- they will help investigators act swiftly when incidents occur and serve as a preventive measure,” the organisation said.
“The absence of an FSL slows investigations, delays prosecutions, and undermines confidence in the justice system.”
The statement came in the wake of the brutal murder of Vihozhonu Zao on October 24. AWO expressed appreciation to the Kohima Police for their prompt action in arresting the prime accused and commended the dedication of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and officers who worked relentlessly to uncover the crime.
While acknowledging this crucial breakthrough, the organisation urged the police to continue the investigation with “utmost sincerity and determination,” leaving no stone unturned to ensure all involved- directly or indirectly- are brought to justice. “The heinous nature of this crime demands that justice be served without delay or leniency,” AWO said.
The brutal act, the group added, has devastated the community, particularly women and girls, and demanded stringent punishment for the accused and every accomplice. “Such acts of violence, especially against women and girls, must be met with strong deterrence, and violence against women will not be tolerated in any form,” the statement said. AWO called upon law enforcement, the judiciary, and all concerned stakeholders to act decisively so that justice is rightfully served.
Neithono R Sothu and Atono Kense, President and General Secretary of AWO, signed the release.
Kohima Police warns against fake news
Meanwhile, the Kohima Police has issued a stern warning to social media users, content creators, and media outlets over the spread of unverified information about the October 24 murder of Vihozhonu Zao.
Authorities said the circulation of fake news and speculation is a serious offense under the Information Technology Act and relevant sections of BNS 2023, including defamation, public mischief, and obstruction of lawful investigation. Legal action, including arrest and prosecution, will be taken against violators.
The advisory warned against:
· Sharing unverified content
·Accusing or naming individuals not officially listed as suspects
·Linking the crime to any community or ethnicity without evidence
· Inciting violence or hatred
The police urged the public to verify information before sharing, report any fake news, and respect the dignity of Zao’s grieving family. “The path to justice for Vihozhonu Zao requires truth and integrity, not speculation and malice,” the advisory said.