A young mother from Mhaikam village, Peren District, was found dead under tragic circumstances at Pimla village in Chümoukedima District on April 7, 2025. Initial reports suggest that the woman, who was striving to make an honest living as a vegetable vendor, may have been the victim of a suspected rape and murder.
The gruesome incident has sent shockwaves across the community, with public outrage growing over the vulnerability faced by women and marginalized workers.
In response to the crime, the Angami Women Organisation (AWO) expressed deep shock and outrage, calling it a “heinous and inhumane act.” In a statement, AWO said, “This despicable crime is not only a violation of her dignity and life but also an attack on the safety and security of women at large.” Highlighting the vulnerability of the young mother, the organization emphasized that the tragedy threatens the very social fabric of society, creating fear and insecurity among women and peace-loving individuals.
Standing in solidarity with the bereaved family, the AWO strongly demanded a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation by the authorities to ensure that the perpetrator(s) are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. “It is imperative that those responsible are held accountable, sending a message that such violence will not be tolerated in our society,” the organization stated.
The Chakhro Angami Kuda Students’ Union (CAKSU) also condemned the incident in the strongest terms, describing it as “inhuman and barbaric.” “Such a crime not only shatters the lives of families but also wounds the conscience of our society,” CAKSU said. The union called on authorities to conduct a swift and impartial investigation and ensure that justice is served without delay.
CAKSU further appealed to all community members to remain united in condemning such acts and to work towards upholding the dignity and safety of every individual.
Joining the chorus of condemnation, the Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) expressed deep anguish and described the crime as a “grave crime that strikes at the very core of human dignity and values.” “Such vile and despicable acts have no place in a civilized society,” WNYF said in a statement.
The organization pledged full solidarity with the victim’s family and the entire Zeliangrong community, offering support in the pursuit of justice.
WNYF strongly urged the law enforcement authorities to act immediately and seriously, conduct an impartial and thorough investigation, and ensure that the perpetrator(s) are arrested and punished without delay. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement said, while also calling upon all Naga communities and civil societies to stand united in rejecting such crimes and reaffirming a collective commitment to protecting the rights and safety of women, children, and all innocent lives.
The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) also condemned the “inhuman and senseless murder” stating, “Such barbaric heinous crime has never been a part of our Naga culture”.
“During such a tragic time the DAYO stands in solidarity with the victim’s family,friends and community. Such brutal crime can never be justified whoever it may be,” added DAYO, urging the law enforcing agencies to continue their thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) also vehemently condemned the horrific crime. “This abominable act is not only a grave crime against humanity but also a vile affront to the sacred values of Naga culture, which holds the dignity and sanctity of women in the highest regard,” the WCH stated.
It said that the sheer inhumanity of this crime has shaken the conscience of every right-thinking citizen, and demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice without delay. It also called upon all upright citizens and civil society organizations to rise in unison and condemn this heinous crime in the strongest terms.
The WCH also said it stands in unwavering solidarity with the Zeliangrong community, the bereaved family, and all organizations tirelessly pursuing justice for the victim. The WCH also urged the law enforcement agencies and all relevant authorities to act with utmost urgency to apprehend the culprits at the earliest. It said the perpetrators must face the full force of the law, and stringent punishment must be meted out to send an unequivocal message that such crimes will not be tolerated in Nagaland.
“Let this be the last such incident in our land. Silence in the face of such brutality is complicity, and we must collectively ensure that justice is served,” the WCH added.