With just a fortnight away for the February 23 state assembly elections, reports of election-related violence were reported from constituencies spread across at least three districts. Poll related violence was reported in Mokokchung village Friday night when supporters of different political parties reportedly clashed.
According to police, vehicles were damaged (two motorcycles, a gypsy and a van) and four houses ransacked during the clashes.
However, police said there were no reports of any injury though eight persons were arrested. Later, during search operations, police recovered huge quantity of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) from the house reportedly belonging to one Lanumongla, which was ransacked.
Police subsequently seized the liquor and forwarded the contraband to the court. It may be noted that Mokokchung village falls under 25 Mongoya where a straight contest is on between the NPF and Congress candidates.
Mokokchung police has identified ten constituencies as hyper-sensitive. Disclosing this to the media Saturday, addl. SP Mokokchung Yanren Lotha said adequate security measures have been and would be taken to ensure smooth conduct of the ensuing polls.
He disclosed that a total of 26 companies of central paramilitary forces besides three companies of NAP and 4 companies of IR (Bn.) would be stationed at various strategic locations.
Further, he also disclosed that two persons were arrested on Friday near Changtongya along the National Highway by the IR (Bn) patrolling party.
They were in possession of a country made .22 rifle. Meanwhile, Khar Village council chairman said one constable Imliakum who was allegedly involved in electioneering process has been put under police custody and that a department inquiry would be conducted against the constable.
Poll violence victim in Dmu
One person identified as Imkongsowa son of Zulüniken, a supporter of an Independent candidate from 24 Angetyongpang A/C was beaten “black and blue” allegedly by the supporters of a rival party candidate who is contesting from the same constituency on February 4 at Mongsenyimti village.
According to the victim, undergoing treatment in one of the hospitals in Dimapur , the incident occurred following a heated argument after he passed a remark that the rival candidate would not win this election.
The victim claimed that the same evening, the rival candidate’s supporters in three groups numbering 10-20 allegedly took him to Mongsenyimti ‘morung’ where he was beaten up. An FIR has been lodged at Mokokchung police station but the victim claimed that so far no arrest has been made.
Pre-poll violence in Wokha
Tension had been prevailing in Wokha district since last week after houses and properties were destroyed in election-related violence besides rival groups issuing warning of dire consequences on people, if they participated in election.
As per a report from the office of the CEO, also available with Nagaland Post, on February 4 in Upper NST colony, supporters of NPF candidate allegedly damaged properties.
The owner however managed to escape through the window. In another incident reported on February 6 at Government Higher Secondary School colony, unidentified persons allegedly destroyed a house and properties.
It was also reported that supporters of the NCP candidate took their turn and attacked two houses at 10.30 p.m. and 11 p.m. in Forest Colony and Saron Colony.
Mobs allegedly pelted stones and damaged 20 window panes and after entering inside the houses forcefully, the owners were warned not to participate in the election.
The district administration, in response to the situation, has issued an order restricting movement of vehicles and people in group after 6 p.m. DC Wokha, Vyasan R informed that situation was now under control.
Rivals clash in Longleng
Reports coming in from 49 Tamlu and 50 Longleng said violence between rival parties have erupted at different places since Friday making candidates unable to campaign.
It was reported that candidates could not enter two villages under 49 Tamlu – Nian and Yongam for electioneering as tension prevailed between rival parties.
Local volunteers under the aegis of Phom Baptist Christian Association, Longleng town Baptist Church made an attempt to march to Nian and Yongam villages Saturday but were reportedly blocked by hundreds of youth.
Even while returning back, it was reported that stones were pelted on the volunteers and damaging several vehicles. Sources said some people were injured by stones pelted by the miscreants.
Following the incident, mothers’ association under the aegis of Phom Baptist Women Association and Phom Hoichem organized a protest cum prayer rally which was attended by several church members, students and peace loving citizen of the district.
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