Dimapur, September 22 (MExN): In a latest casualty of the killing spate among Naga youths, one college-going student was murdered on the night of September 21 at around 11 to 12 pm at Naga Bazar area in Kohima by some of his acquaintances.
According to Kohima police sources, the victim, identified as one Megoviphe Meru hailing from Khonoma village and a Kohima College BA 1st year student, was murdered by one Videkhotuo ‘Abou’ Chakhesang of Sohemi Village, in a state of drunkenness. Police said that the victim and the accused shared a building at the Naga Bazar area. It is learnt that last night at around 10 pm, the accused, Abou had some alcohol with his friends in the house, during which Abou (Abu) went upstairs to the victim and asked for water, which he was given.
Abou on wanting to drink more alcohol asked his friend Sovenyi Chakhesang to go and “buy a quarter”. When Sovenyi returned with the alcohol, Abou said that he would go up to Megoviphe for more water, police said. Sources added that Megoviphe again gave more water to the assailant, who after drinking it, stabbed him. The injured Megoviphe ran to the Nagamese Church Pastor’s residence nearby, from where he was rushed to hospital. He succumbed to his injuries at 11:15 pm.
According to police, Sovenyi, who is in police custody, confessed that he stayed in Abou’s room whilst the assailant went upstairs to the victim. As per his confessional statement to the police, Sovenyi said that he did not hear any quarrel or sounds, except for footsteps; and when Abou returned, his body was blood stained and he was carrying a bloodstained knife. Police still have no clear idea as to the motive of the killing. Megoviphe was said to be a teetotaler and had no known enmity with anyone. He was living with his high school-going younger brother, police added.
The NSCN (K), Angami region, has strongly condemned the murder and said that it would co-operate with the police to bring the culprit to book. “Abu was earlier apprehended by Angami region for having deserted the fold with a 9 mm pistol but was spared of his life on humanitarian consideration and later excommunicated from our government” the NSCN (K) said.
The Western Angami Youth Organisation has also strongly condemned the murder. “The inhuman act and barbaric killing of our brother is intolerable and unimaginable,” said the WAYO. Kohima police said that they have deployed personnel to all the likely places where Abou is expected to run to, and added that a man-hunt is on to catch the killer. Meanwhile, the body of Megoviphe Meru was taken to his parents’ home in Khonoma village where a funeral service was held for the departed soul.
