Election related violence in 28 Koridang A/C has left three vehicles damaged though there were no official reports of injuries sustained by any person during the incident. The violence occurred when a particular candidate tried to enter Longkhum village to declare his candidature for the assembly polls.
Chairman of Longkhum Village Council, C. Angang Jamir while talking to district administration officials and police officers, who rushed to the spot said the council members who were stationed at Alichen told the candidate that the village gate was closed to outsiders due to tension prevailing after a boy was abducted from the village by some underground groups and that almost all the villagers were out of the village in search of the boy.
It was learnt the chairman argued that due to the prevailing situation it was impossible to have a meeting like a declaration programme in the village as the atmosphere was not conducive.
The candidate subsequently returned but the supporters who accompanied the candidate reportedly got furious and started pelting stones besides setting fire to nearby bushes and reportedly followed by firing several rounds before leaving. The candidate was advised by the DC not to go ahead for the declaration programme.
Meanwhile, it was reported that the boy who was abducted has been released at new camp. SP Mokokchung while briefing media persons at his office Thursday evening said that while conducting MVCP in the morning at Sewak Gate, police seized one Berretta pistol made in Italy .22 caliber with eight rounds from the possession of one Lepdener Ao, son of Chalukumba and a .30 US Carbine with 10 live rounds in the vehicle of L. Nokzenketba, a former minister.
SP said that this was a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct and that a case has been registered at PS II. DC Mokokchung has declared ‘Not Valid’ the exemption order of arms produced by Chalukumba whose pistol was seized by the police while conducting MVCP.
Besides the weapons, one sack of marble along with catapults was also seized from a mini-truck and subsequently 13 persons were arrested in this connection.
SP said these vehicles were in the convoy of a candidate who was going to Longkhum village to declare his candidature. Also during the checking, two VIP beacon lights were also removed and seized from the vehicles.
Meanwhile, the SP added that at around 12.30 p.m., police got reports about some vehicles being damaged by miscreants along the highway near Aolijen, Ungma.
Police immediately rushed to the spot and found three vehicles badly damaged (2 Maruti Van and 1 Hyundai i-20). Of the three vehicles, one Maruti Van was almost burnt but the timely intervention of a fire-engine averted further damage. However, the fire spread to the nearby bushes and consumed a large tract of the adjoining forest. Ungma villagers rushed in to the douse the flames and controlled the fire from spreading further.
SP at the briefing also directed that use of beacons in vehicles was restricted to VVIPs only therefore any unauthorized usage would be penalized.
It was learnt that the police have also directed the candidates that not more than three vehicles in total would be used as convoys during election.
Further, the police have also said that Permanent Vehicle Check Post have been erected at three places, viz. Settsu junction, Khensa and Tsusapang and added that they would remain till elections were over. Platoon strength security has been deployed in all sensitive areas, SP added.
Police have also cautioned any civilian against use of military uniforms particularly that of IR (Bn) and said that strict action would be initiated against defaulters.