Polling cancelled in Ladaigarh

Principal Correspondent KOHIMA, APRIL 9 OUT of the over 11.77 lakh electorates, 302 voters were denied of their right to exercise the franchise due to the forceful occupation of the designated polling station at Ladaigarh, under Tamlu sub-division under Longleng district of Nagaland.Deputy Commissioner of Longleng, Libanthung Lotha said that the Election Commission of India had designated Government Primary School (GPS) Ladaigarh as the Polling Station No. 1 for 302 electorates in the area. However, due to sudden road blockade by the Assam police some 1.5 kms before reaching the designated polling station against the polling officials from Nagaland yesterday and this morning, polling could not be held. In this connection, the Commissioner Nagaland and Returning Officer, Temjen Toy in a letter addressed to the Election Commission reported that voting at Ladaigarh polling station had been adjourned because polling parties were obstructed by Assam police and unable to reach designated polling station. He also said that agitated mob stopped setting up of makeshift polling booth at Yanglok or elsewhere. The DC, who is also the District Returning Officer (DRO) Longleng said that after some law and order problem arising in the area during 2007, Assam Police forcefully occupied the GPS building and since then no voting could be held. Several attempts have been made peacefully requesting the Assam police to vacate the building, while letters have also been send to Election Commission and Union Home Ministry and Assam Government. He said that there is also a standing order from the Supreme Court to main status quo on the polling station, however it is also not being implemented. He said that yesterday polling officials were sent to the area, however Assam police blocked the road at about 1.5 km before reaching Ladaigarh PS. “The Assam police are fully armed and they have also set up bunkers,” he said adding that since polling officers could not even enter the village, polling could not be held. He also said that even as alternate arrangement was to be set up within the village, it was not possible because there is only one road leading to the village. The last voting held in the area was Lok Sabha polls on May 5, 2004.