Kohima, Dec. 15: Shops and business establishments in Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland, remained closed from 8am till noon today in protest against the killing of a woman proprietor of a hotel last evening.

Ritika Mehta, 45, and a mother of three, was the owner of the popular Apna Hotel in Dimapur.

Police said Mehta was shot around 6.30pm when she was at the front counter of her hotel on Nyamo Lotha Road. The assailants fled after shooting her from point-blank range. Mehta's bodyguard and the staff immediately gave chase, but the assailants fled taking advantage of the crowded street.

The police said at least two persons came in and shot Mehta. They said the bullet hit her lower jaw and exited from her neck. She was immediately shifted to Nikos Hospital, but with no emergency doctor available, she was referred to Zion Hospital for treatment. On reaching the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.

There was an attempt on her life last month too, but Mehta escaped unhurt. After that incident, Dimapur police provided her a bodyguard.

Yesterday, her bodyguard was inside the establishment, but he was unarmed (as per Mehta's direction).

An inquiry has been initiated to find out if there were any lapses on the part of the bodyguard.

A case has been registered at East police station. The police recovered an empty shell of a .32 calibre and "other crucial evidence" from the site.

An investigation is on, the police said, but refused to divulge further details as the police are hopeful of arresting Mehta's killers at the earliest.

In protest against the killing, both the Nagaland Hotels and Restaurants Association and Nyamo Lotha Road Business Association remained closed today.

Several businessmen have been killed in the past by suspected militants.

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M) has banned all forms of donations during the festive season. Dimapur is also known as a "crime city", infested as it is with several insurgent groups and criminals.