Nagaland: Thousands Rally in Kohima for Justice in Zao Murder

KOHIMA-  In one of the largest public demonstrations seen in recent years, thousands marched through Kohima on Tuesday demanding swift justice and capital punishment for those involved in the horrific murder of 22-year-old Vihozhonu Zao, a promising basketball player whose killing has rattled Nagaland.

The massive rally, organized by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), drew participants from across Angami communities. Many walked in traditional attire from PHQ Junction to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where SAYO submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio urging an uncompromising investigation.

Zao’s body was discovered on October 25 near a ring well at Old Ministers’ Hill Colony under disturbing circumstances — covered with a sack and discarded clothes. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) later arrested her 31-year-old uncle, Samuel Zao, on November 4 after he allegedly confessed to killing her on October 24 “in a fit of rage.” He has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

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However, protesters questioned the claim of a lone perpetrator. They pointed to Zao’s athletic build and the severity of her injuries, including a fractured skull, as indicators of possible premeditation and involvement of additional persons.

Addressing the rally, SAYO President Zasitsolie Beio insisted that the brutal nature of the crime “points to multiple involvement.” He demanded a thorough probe ensuring that “every person directly or indirectly linked” is arrested, along with capital punishment for all those found guilty.

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Leaders from several organisations echoed these concerns.
• AWO President Neithono Sothu called the murder a “deep betrayal” that has instilled fear among women.
• SAWO President Visezole Sophie demanded the “harshest punishment” and flagged unresolved details in the case.
• Youth organisations including AYO, WAYO, Chakhroma Youth Organisation, Northern Angami Youth Organisation, and Jakhama Youth Organisation condemned the killing as a violation of community trust, pledging to oppose any bail attempts.

An emotional moment came when Kekhüsezo Zao of Porütso Khel recounted Vihozhonu’s achievements — a young athlete who represented Nagaland in basketball and excelled academically. He revealed that in the immediate aftermath, the accused’s house had been vandalized and certain family members ostracized by the community.

SAYO’s memorandum called for:

• Immediate arrest of all accomplices,
• Stringent prosecution with no compromise,
• Denial of bail to prevent any threats to witnesses,
• Government support including ex-gratia for the victim’s family,
• Stronger preventive measures to safeguard women,
• And a public assurance of zero tolerance for violence against women.

Speakers said the overwhelming turnout was “spontaneous,” driven by collective grief and anger rather than organized mobilization. Civil society groups warned that justice in this case is crucial to restoring public trust and women’s sense of security.

As the investigation progresses — with forensic reports awaited from Guwahati — the community has vowed to track every development closely, determined that Vihozhonu Zao’s death becomes a catalyst for accountability and systemic change in Nagaland.