Dimapur : The Business Owners Association of New Market in Dimapur imposed an indefinite shutdown of the market from Saturday, demanding immediate arrest of those responsible for the murder of gaon burha (village chief) of New Market area Abdul Kayum Talukdar.

Talukdar (60) was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Friday night.The gunmen who reportedly came in a car fired three to four shots at Talukdar’s chest at an ATM booth in Signal Basti Shaam Bazaar area, Dimapur, at around 9.30 pm.

He was rushed to a private hospital immediately where he was declared brought dead.Police said a combing operation has been launched to nab the culprits. No arrest has been made till the filing of this report.

No group or individual claimed responsibility for the attack. Local MLA and adviser to labour, employment and skill development and excise Moatoshi Longkumer and the Muslim Council Dimapur condemned the killing.

Condemning the killing, Longkumer on Saturday said such heinous murder and barbaric acts of violence disrupt the value of peace and harmony and also threaten the very fabric of our society. “We must stand together against such brutality and work together to create a safe and just community for all,” he said.

Longkumer urged law enforcement agencies to take swift and decisive action to apprehend those responsible for this horrific crime.