Kohima: Three civil society organizations are demanding a rigorous investigation into the shooting of a daily-wage labourer at a construction site in Chiechama village. Langshi Chang, who hails from Chendang Saddle village in Tuensang, suffered the attack on September 16 at approximately 11:00 AM. He was working at the Government Primary Health Centre when Medochulie Rurhie allegedly fired a .22 country-made rifle at him.
The Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Union Kohima, Sangtam Union Kohima, and Chingmei Range Public Organisation issued statements condemning the act. They labeled the shooting as a "barbaric, inhuman and premeditated" attack. The ENPUK noted that Rurhie had previously thrown stones and blocks at workers, while issuing verbal threats to stop construction.
Chang acts as the sole breadwinner for his family. The ENPUK warned that this violence pushed his kin toward multi-generational poverty. All three groups urged authorities to deny bail to the accused under any circumstances. They requested that police prosecute Rurhie with the full force of the law.
The groups lauded the Nagaland Police, Chiechama Village Council, and local youth for their quick response in capturing the suspect. The Chiechama Village Council specifically declared that no member of the village should bail out the accused. The organizations remain committed to supporting Chang and his community during his recovery.
Updated at 22nd September 2026 at 6:00pm
New records identify the victim as Langshi Chang, son of late Daming Chang, and the suspect as Medochulie Rurhie Zumvu, son of late Thebo Zumvu. The Eastern Nagaland Peoples Union Kohima has formally identified its president as N. Toshi Chang and joint secretary as Sepithrong.
Advocacy groups are now pressing state authorities to ensure the victim receives medical assistance and proper restitution. They argue that contractors and the relevant government departments hold a legal responsibility to protect workers from third party violence at job sites. The organizations emphasized that every laborer deserves the right to return home safely after a shift.
Updated at 23rd September 2026 at 1:52am
Records now confirm the victim is Langshi Lomou Chang, son of the late Daming Chang. The accused is identified as Medochulie Rurhie Zumvu, son of the late Thebo Zumvu. Police took the suspect into custody at 5:00 PM on the day of the attack, and he is currently held at the District Sub-Jail.
The Phom Union Kohima has joined the calls for justice, demanding a transparent investigation. The union also urged the contractor and the relevant government department to establish accountability, suggesting that officials should face consequences if investigations prove there was a failure of duty or negligence regarding site safety.
Updated at 23rd September 2026 at 1:49pm
The Chang Union Chumoukedima has joined the chorus of organizations condemning the attack. They labeled the shooting a cowardly and senseless violation of human life and dignity, calling for immediate justice to prevent future occurrences.
Advocacy groups are now pushing for the relevant government departments and contractors to answer for the safety lapse. They argue these entities must provide medical aid and proper restitution to the victim, maintaining that site security failed to protect a laborer from predictable third party aggression.
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