Agitation in Peren intensifies as NH-129A blocked over five-month forensic delay
Zeliangrong bodies and the Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) on Tuesday slammed the state government’s spending priorities, questioning why crores are poured into Hornbill Festival, sports and community halls while Nagaland have only one forensic laboratory in Dimapur.
WNYF interim president Aga Rengma said the absence of a forensic lab has directly impacted the Pimla murder case. He explained that a criminal case can only be established through eyewitnesses, confession, or forensic evidence. “In the Pimla case, there is no eyewitness, and though the accused may have confessed, it is not official. The only option left is forensic evidence, but because the forensic report has not been released, the prime accused has already been granted bail,” he said.
He lamented that even after five months, the report has not been made public, blaming the delay on Nagaland’s dependence on labs in other states.
He questioned the government priorities on how crores are invested in the Hornbill Festival, sports infrastructure and community halls, but basic necessities like a forensic laboratory remain neglected. He also urged the government to establish more women police stations beyond Dimapur.
Meanwhile, government and administrative offices remained shut, government vehicles stayed off the roads, and National Highway-129A was blocked in Peren district during the second phase of the indefinite “aggressive agitation” launched by Zeliangrong organisations.
Addressing the gathering, ZYON president R John Zeliang said their only demand is the release of the forensic report in the public domain. “Whether or not the prime accused is re-arrested is not our concern. But we will not be held responsible if anything happens to the prime accused,” he warned, adding that until the report is released, they will not hold discussions with any government agency.
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Declaring that the agitation will continue indefinitely, he said the organisations will not backtrack as they did in the first phase. National Highway-129A will remain blocked for inter-state transport, and commercial vehicles including night super buses will not be allowed to pass, he announced.
He further criticised the government for “promoting women’s empowerment” in rhetoric while failing to ensure women’s safety. “Even in their own place, women are not safe. After sunset, women are afraid to step out or go to the market alone,” he said, urging the community to stand firm “rain or shine.”
He also announced that National Highway-129A would remain blocked for inter-state transport from Tuesday onwards, adding that commercial vehicles, including night super buses, will not be allowed to pass.
Anyone violating the order, he cautioned, would face direct action for which the organisations would not be held responsible.
“There will be no more warnings or appeals,” he said, adding that if the government was unhappy with the decision, it was free to arrest him.
