Dimapur, Jan. 13: The Nagaland unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has denounced what it called the “criminal barbaric act of anti-democratic forces” throwing a ‘crude homemade bomb’ into the residential premise of BJP member Hukuto Zhimomi, a Dimapur Municipal Council candidate of ward 22, Veterinary colony, Burma Camp, on the night of January 12 at 9.25 pm.
“With divine grace, no one was however injured. But the criminal act cannot be condoned at any cost as it is a crime not only against a BJP member and candidate, but also against humanity and peace loving democratic society in the process of electing a leader to bring development,” the BJP stated in a press release on Friday.
The BJP appreciated the prompt response of the city’s police and the Election Commission and the investigation that is being conducted. The party has requested that the culprits be booked at the earliest for the safety and security of the candidates, voters and ‘the public of a free democratic society.’The BJP also requested the State Election Commission to ensure enhanced security for the BJP candidates in the polls to prevent such incidents.
Also, the candidate Hukuto Zhimomi has also strongly refuted the ongoing rumours of his withdrawal of his candidature, clarifying on a strong note that he has not withdrawn his candidature from the Dimapur Municipal Council.
A press release from the unit clarified that when the NPF had issued two party tickets to him and the other NPF candidate in Ward 22, Hukuto Zhimomi had withdrawn from the NPF party candidature from Ward 22 and ‘not as the rumour has rendered.’ He expressed confidence in his party and supporters for a grand success, the press release stated.
A separate representation to the commissioner of police of Dimapur from intending candidates of the BJP from several wards in Dimapur also appealed for security to Hokuto Zhimomi.
“According due respect to your esteemed office, we intending BJP candidates for DMC polls would like to apprise you of the incident that took place at the residence of BJP candidate, Shri Hokuto Zhimomi, ward no 22 on January 12, 2017 around 9:25pm at Veterinary Colony, Burma Camp,” the letter began.
The account in the statement stated: “Unidentified miscreants lobbed explosives inside the compound of Shri Hokuto thus showing a clear attempt to his life and family. Fortunately, the candidate was away from home when the incident took place. However, a large number of well wishers were present in the compound. The blast took place near a parked Maruti Alto vehicle, a short distance away from the gathered people. The blast damaged the concrete floored compound and the splinters hit some youth present in the vicinity but no injuries were caused.”
The incident has sparked panic and fear in the family, his well wishers and in the political circles as well, the representation stated.
“It also sends a clear signal that the State, particularly Dimapur, is set to witness violence during the forthcoming civic body elections. Such incidents would only create a feeling of terror not only among the other BJP candidates and party workers but also the common public. There is every possibility of adverse impact on election environment if the candidates are not safe.”
The BJP candidates have appealed to the police to “immediately book the culprits” involved in the incident and “also unearth the masterminds of the blast and book them as per the law of the land.”
The signatories of the letter to the police were Hokivi Chishi of ward 19, Vikheho Zhimo of ward 17, Simon Yeptho of ward 23, Yangertoshi of ward 10, Moa Jamir of ward 16, G. Kits of ward 20, Kavili of ward 21, Meweu Lasuh of ward 1, and Ikato of ward 7.
