A gunshot was fired at the Zunheboto District Forest Office on the evening of January 24, 2025, around 7:30 PM. The bullet struck a government vehicle parked within the office premises. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.
According to initial reports, the gunshot was heard by staff members and nearby residents, some of whom mistook it for the sound of a firecracker or a tire bursting. The office’s night watchman, alerted by the noise, rushed to the scene but found no individuals around and was unable to identify anyone involved in the incident.
Upon learning of the incident, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Obed Bohovi Swu quickly arrived at the office from his nearby residence. The office, which lacks CCTV surveillance, was unable to provide any footage of the event. However, the following day, office staff filed an FIR, and local police initiated an investigation.
Authorities have since confirmed that the accused individual, who was involved in the shooting, admitted to firing the gunshot. The suspect has been identified as one of the candidates who had applied for a position under the Nagaland Forest Management Project, a contract-based initiative funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The recruitment for the JICA project began with an advertisement posted on November 1, 2024. The process attracted over 50 candidates for three available positions: Office Assistant, Livelihood Expert, and Monitoring Evaluation and Convergence Expert. After a screening process, nine candidates were selected for interviews held on December 16, 2024. Of the seven candidates who attended the interview, the accused was among those shortlisted. However, only three candidates were ultimately selected for the positions.
In response to the incident, DFO Swu expressed regret, stating, “It’s unfortunate to see such an act of violence. We have no ill will toward anyone, and this behavior is deeply saddening.”
The morning after the shooting, the brother of the accused reportedly went to the DFO’s office to confess his brother’s involvement in the incident. The accused voluntarily surrendered the weapon used in the attack and is now in police custody. A case has been registered under Zbto Case No. 004/25, charged with sections 324(2), 351(1), and 25(1A) of the Arms Act, according to Dr. Tiamenla Phom, Additional SP and Public Relations Officer, DEF Zunheboto.
While the exact motivations behind the shooting remain unclear, it is believed to be linked to the accused’s frustration over not securing a job. Recruitment for the JICA-assisted Nagaland Forest Management Project has been highly competitive, with numerous applicants vying for a limited number of positions.
DFO Swu emphasized that the office has no history of conflicts with local individuals, noting, “Our work is dedicated to the welfare of the people. It’s difficult to comprehend why anyone would resort to such drastic measures.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide further updates as new information becomes available. (With inputs from journalist Tokavi K Zhimo)