Fresh pre-poll violence in Mokokchung district’s 28-Koridang constituency left one dead, several arrested and curfew imposed in affected villages.
Share
MOKOKCHUNG — Fresh pre-poll violence in Mokokchung district has left one person dead and several arrested, reviving unease in 28-Koridang constituency which has witnessed poll-related tension and a mysterious death during the 2023 Assembly elections.
In Longkhum village, a clash between supporters of rival candidates late Sunday night turned fatal, while a separate incident in Mangmetong hours later saw widespread damage to vehicles and houses.
The latest unrest comes against the backdrop of the 2023 Assembly polls, when the nephew of the then JD (U) candidate, T Chalukumba Ao, from Koridang constituency was found dead under suspicious circumstances after going missing. This time round, Chalukumba is contesting on Congress ticket.
Also read: Campaigning ends on April 7 for Koridang by-election, strict curbs kick in at 4 pm
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton calls for restraint after Longkhum village killing
A violent clash at Longkhum between supporters of Independent candidate Maj. (Retd) Toshikaba and BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen at around midnight on April 6 turned deadly, with one person succumbing to injuries and 16 individuals arrested.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police and PRO Mokokchung, Y Tumchobemo Yanthan, the confrontation began with stone-pelting between the two groups before security forces intervened to prevent further escalation.
Three individuals sustained serious injuries in the clash and were rushed to Mokokchung for treatment. One critically injured victim was referred to a facility outside the town for advanced treatment but died en route. Police have taken 16 suspects into custody in connection with the incident.
Following the violence, the returning officer revoked permission for temporary campaign offices of both candidates in Longkhum, citing violations of law and order and non-compliance with election guidelines.
Security personnel also ordered the immediate dismantling of all campaign materials, including flags and banners, from the affected sites.
In a separate incident the same morning, tension flared in Mangmetong village around 7 am, where 12 vehicles and three houses were damaged in another bout of pre-poll violence.
Police said that the incident allegedly involved supporters of one candidate targeting properties belonging to supporters of a rival.
Security forces were quickly deployed to the area, restoring calm and leading to the arrest of one suspect. No injuries were reported in the Mangmetong incident.
Sources indicated that a formal complaint has been filed by the affected party. Police recovered arms and ammunition, including a 12-bore firearm and crude explosives.
Night curfew imposed
Meanwhile, Mokokchung District Magistrate Ajit Kumar Verma imposed night curfew under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in Longkhum, Mangmetong and Alichen area, including the 2nd NAP Camp, with immediate effect on April 6.
The curfew will be enforced daily from 6 pm to 5 am, during which assembly of five or more persons is strictly prohibited. Exemptions have been granted to police, armed forces and security personnel on duty; magistrates and officials engaged in election or government duties; medical staff, ambulances and emergency responders; and individuals involved in essential services.
The order warned that any violation would invite legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable laws.
The curfew will remain in force until further orders.