Kohima, September 22 (MExN): The Phom Union Kohima (PUK) has condemned the alleged shooting of Langshi Lomou Chang, a daily-wage labourer, at a construction site of the Government Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Chiechama village in Kohima on September 16.
In a press statement issued on September 22, the PUK stated that Chang, a resident of Chendang Saddle Village in Tuensang District, was allegedly shot at around 11 am with a .22 calibre country-made rifle while working at the construction site.
Further citing the accounts of the victim and fellow workers, the Union said the alleged shooting was preceded by repeated “acts of intimidation, including the pelting of stones and concrete blocks and verbal threats allegedly warning labourers to stop work at the site.”
Accordingly, the PUK called for an immediate, impartial and thorough investigation into the incident and urged the authorities to identify those responsible and pursue appropriate legal action.
It also urged the concerned contractor and department to ensure adequate safety and security arrangements at construction sites, particularly where workers face threats or interference from third parties.
The Union further called for responsibility to be fixed if negligence or failure of duty is established.
It also appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and allow the law to take its course, while leaving matters relating to bail and other judicial proceedings to the competent court.
The PUK stated that Chang was reportedly the sole breadwinner of his family and the injuries sustained in the alleged attack had caused physical suffering and financial distress to his family.
It also expressed solidarity with the victim and Chang community and conveyed speedy and complete recovery of the victim.
As reported earlier, one person, identified as Medochülie Zumvü, was arrested by personnel of Chiephobozou Police Station at around 5 pm on September 16 in connection with the incident. He was subsequently remanded to judicial custody and is currently lodged at the District Sub-Jail, sources informed.
The Chiechama Village Council (CVC) had earlier condemned the incident as “barbaric and inhuman” and demanded justice for the victim.
