Dimapur, Feb. 17 (EMN): The returning officer (RO) of 25th Mongoya assembly constituency has directed the Longsa village council in Mokokchung district to cancel its decision to excommunicate S Supongmenren Jamir, a candidate of the National People’s Party.
An order from the RO on Sat. observed that the council had published its decision to excommunicate Jamir from the village in a Mokokchung-based Ao vernacular newspaper on Feb. 14.
“This not only constitutes an electoral offence but also is a violation of Fundamental Right of free movement. A person cannot be restricted from free movement unless as guaranteed by law. You are hereby directed to rescind the declaration in the same manner at the earliest,” the order read.
Failure to comply with the order, the RO reminded, shall invite charges under three sections of the Indian Penal Code viz. Section 171C of IPC: attempt to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral right; Section 153A and 153B of IPC: Promoting enmity between different groups; and Section 505 (1) of IPC: Publishing statements to cause enmity between various groups.
Also, the official reminded the council that according to the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act of 1978 the village council is ‘subject to general superintendence of state government and DC/ADC/SDO/EAC shall have control over all the village councils within their respective jurisdiction.’
The Act has empowered the state government to dissolve a village council if the government is satisfied that ‘such a situation has arisen in which a village cannot function in accordance with provisions of this Act,’ it stated.
“Therefore in this particular issue the onus is on the village council to ensure no one takes law into their own hands and the entry of persons is allowed in a peaceful manner into the village. Any contravention of above would be a serious violation of law and strict penal actions will be initiated against the defaulting council,” the government warned.
