A day after the pre-poll violence was reported between supporters of two rival candidates of 2-Dimapur-II constituency on Saturday, NDPP candidate and sitting MLA Moatoshi Longkumer and LJP (RV) candidate Y Vikheho Awomi made separate appeals to their respective workers and supporters to maintain peace and uphold the spirit of for free and fair election.
Moatoshi Longkumer termed as “false and concocted” reports spread on social media platforms regarding the violence adding they only served to cause apprehension. He told media persons at his residence here Sunday, that his party, NDPP, has lodged a complaint with the authorities and so left it to the law to deliver justice.
He reiterated that Dimapur-II constituency used to be one of the most peaceful area during election and so appealed to all across party lines to maintain peace and not to aggravate the situation further. He also appealed to all to stand for peaceful, free and fair polls.
Also, addressing the media at his residence, Vikheho Awomi expressed concern over the incident and appealed to all not to further vitiate the atmosphere. He urged upon all, particularly those spreading messages/videos on social media platforms, not to aggravate the situation and create social disharmony.
He said an FIR had been lodged and the law enforcing agency had taken up the matter. Investigation was on and the report would bring out the fact, he added.
Organizations condemn Feb 18 incident
Several organisations– NDPP Dimapur region, Western Sumi Hoho, Dimapur Ao Youth Organisaiton and Western Sumi Youth Front have condemned the poll-related violence at Indisen village here on Saturday (February 18) evening.
NDPP: NDPP Dimapur region has strongly condemned the incident that occurred outside the residence of its candidate Moatoshi Longkumer at Indisen village on Saturday evening.
NDPP Dimapur region president Vihoshe Awomi in a statement, alleged that some unruly supporters of a certain political party attempted to create disturbance outside the gate of the private residence of Moatoshi. He said reports of blank firing clearly showed the intention to cause harm to people and property, and strongly condemned such kind of direct provocation intended to create unrest in the mind of the public.
He requested law enforcement authorities to book the culprits and initiate stringent action against those involved at the earliest.
WSH: Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) said it was aghast and disturbed by the violence that occurred between supporters of NDPP and LJP (RV) under 2 Dimapur II Assembly constituency at Indisen village.
WSH general secretary Kisheto Chishi reminded that it was the democratic and constitutional right of any intending candidate and supporters to canvas for public support anywhere within the jurisdiction of a particular constituency.
He however asserted that resorting to violence as a means to achieve an end has no place in Naga society. He maintained that election will come and go and hence it was not worth causing enmity in the society because of election.
Chishi also strongly condemned the unfortunate incident and appealed to all political parties and intending candidates to rein in their respective supporters and not to resort to provocation and violence during the electioneering but adhere to the principle of democratic electoral process.
WSYF: In a separate statement, Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) strongly condemned the incident where some persons sustained injuries, vehicles damaged and shots were fired.
WSYF in a statement, declared that “such barbaric act” has no room in civilised society and therefore, appealed to law enforcing agencies to nab the culprits at the earliest and deliver justice as per the law of the land. WSYF emphasised that election was a time to elect the right candidate to lead constituency and Nagas in general, and not create violence.
WSYF said Dimapur-II constituency being dominated by “advanced tribe” should be the agent of change and mouthpiece for clean election as propagated by NBCC and appealed to supporters of all political parties in Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima to restrain from such unlawful activities.
It further appealed the public of the three districts to pray for free and fair election so as to bring change in the State and help peace and love prevail.
DAYO: In another statement, Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) termed the incident as an act of complete disregard to the entire State of Nagaland even as people were gearing up for clean, free and fair election. DAYO lamented that the image of Indisen village, which was known for peace and harmony, was tarnished by some rowdy political party workers.
DAYO reminded that when the rule of the law was clear and precise about the election code of conduct, some youths had allegedly intruded into the village where the Dimapur 2 candidate resided.
DAYO said that when the Indisen Youth Organisation, which has been officially delegated to maintain peace by Indisen Village Council, approached them (supporters of rival candidate) to ascertain their intention, it said they instead provided vague answers devoid of rationality.
DAYO reaffirmed that it backed the statement of Indisen LanurTelongjem and condemned such acts by any group or individual, adding that such would be dealt with in befitting manner as per Ao custom and rule of law.