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The remains of a farmhouse ravaged by fire at New Wokha village. (EM Images)[/caption]
Neidilhoutuo Sechu
Kohima, Feb. 12 (EMN): In the run up to the Nagaland assembly elections scheduled for Feb. 27, many violent election-related incidents have taken place across the state, mostly in Wokha and Mokokchung district.
Wokha district has four assembly constituencies (AC) including 37th Tyui AC, 38th Wokha AC, 39th Sanis AC and 40th Bhandari AC. While the situation in 39th Sanis and 40th Bhandari appears normal, the situation in 37th Tyui and 38th Wokha is completely different.
The election-related incidents in 37th Tyui and 38th Wokha reportedly revolve around use of guns and explosives; burning of vehicles, vandalising of houses, stone pelting; road blockades, mob situations, and intimidations and assaults.
Violence in 38th Wokha AC dates back to previous Sept. when a case of intimidation, assault and vandalism was reported in Wokha town, and in Humtso and Elumyo villages. According to sources from the Wokha district administration, when a convoy of an intending candidate was moving toward Humtso and Elumyo, they were stopped by a mob and their vehicles were vandalised.
What followed this year was on Jan. 18 where one Renbithung Yanthan was shot at GA colony in Wokha town. Sources said that the victim, son of an Etsorhomo Yanthan of Humtso village, was shot at around 10.45 pm. The suspect is still absconding, according to official sources.
On Feb. 4, a case of intimidation, assault and vandalism also took place in Forest colony in Wokha town. Later an IED was found at a women recreational centre in Wokha village. The same evening, it was reported that two houses belonging to the father and brother of JD (U) candidate YM Humtsoe were attacked in Wokha village.
It was reported that three vehicles at the residence of Humtsoe’s father were set on fire by miscreants while three more were damaged at his brothers’ residence at ‘A’ khel in Wokha village. Five persons were arrested in this regard, sources from the district administration said.
Following the arrest, it was reported that on Feb. 5 a mob gathered outside the police station in Wokha and pelted stones.
The candidates from 38th Wokha AC are TM Lotha (BJP), Dr. Chumben Murry (NPF) and Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe (JD-U); for 37th Tyui AC, the candidates are Yankithung (NPF), Yanthungo Patton (BJP), Chobhathung Odyuo (JD-U) and R Thungchamo Ezung (NCP).
Violence at 37th Tyui AC is reported to have taken place on the night of Feb. 7 when one vehicle coming from Riphyim to Wokha town was allegedly burned at Yikhum village's gate. A similar incident also was reported to have occurred on the same night at Longsa village where a vehicle was burned following an altercation between party workers.
On Feb. 8 at Nyiro range, there was a road blockade by a mob at Yanthamo village preventing supporters of another candidate from passing through. Shortly after, another mob at Nyiro village reportedly assaulted some people and in the process burned two vehicles.
The same afternoon, violence occurred at Blue Hill colony outside the NPF candidate’s residence at 37th Tyui AC where more vehicles were vandalised. In the evening at around 7.45 pm, an IED blast occurred at the residence of Y Patton, the BJP's candidate.
On Feb. 9, a farmhouse belonging to YM Humtsoe’s brother Khyolamo Humtsoe was ravaged by fire. Though the actual cause of the fire could not be ascertained, it is suspected to be the act of some miscreants belonging to an opposing party. The owner of the farmhouse is said to have told law enforcing agencies that the fire was caused ‘accidentally.’
The latest incident in Wokha town was reported on Feb. 11 evening at around 7.10 PM when one explosion occurred at the town's Police Point. However, no casualty was reported.
Caught in the onslaught of violence are the Wokha district administration and the police who have been left with the unenviable job of bringing the situation under control. Talking to
, the deputy commissioner (DC) of Wokha Dr. Manazir Jeelani Sammon said that the law enforcement is rendering its best to keep the situation under control.
“All the candidates have been informed not to take the law into their own hands. And they have been told to take this message down to all their supporters,” the DC said. He informed about a meeting he had with candidates of 37th Tyui and 38th Wokha assembly constituencies. He informed that the candidates have assured cooperation. “I am hopeful that violence will not be repeated,” he added.
The DC informed that he would be having a similar meeting with candidates of 39th Sanis and 40th Bhandari assembly constituencies. The officer informed that there was in place prohibition of arms in public places; use of fire crackers and explosives; use of masks; and restriction on carrying cash of INR 50,000 and above.
The DC expressed hope that the elections would be peacefully conducted in Wokha district, especially in the two disturbed constituencies. He said that various organisations have come out in support to 'let peace prevail in the district.' He added that initiatives will be taken to spread the message of 'clean election' with support from the churches and civil organisations.
According to police sources, there are six companies of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) stationed at Wokha district along with four companies of the Indian Reserve battalion including one Mahila battalion. It was informed that three more CRPF companies will soon arrive in Wokha.
