Staff Reporter/Correspondent
DIMAPUR/WOKHA, JUN 16 (NPN): Polling for the by-elections to Ward No. 11 of Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) and Ward No. 9 (Samba Ghoki) of Atoizu Town Council was conducted peacefully on Tuesday, while the by-election to Ward No. 8 (Tsumang B) of Wokha Town Council witnessed intermittent incidents of violence and disturbances that prompted the district administration to impose prohibitory orders.
According to state election commissioner (SEC) T. John Longkumer, Ward No. 11 of Chümoukedima Town Council recorded a voter turnout of 83.6%, comprising 39.88% male voters and 43.72% female voters.
Ward No. 8 of Wokha Town Council registered a voter turnout of 69.5%, with 31.98% male voters and 37.52% female voters participating in the election.
Meanwhile, Ward No. 9 of Atoizu Town Council recorded the highest turnout at 96.41%, including 50.77% male voters and 45.64% female voters. SEC stated that polling was completed successfully in all three wards.
In Chümoukedima, around 600 voters cast their votes at the Government Middle School polling station. The by-election was necessitated following the demise of former councillor Keneiseto Medoze and witnessed a contest between BJP candidate Kezhangutuo Zhotso and NPF candidate Neichü-u Kuotsu.
Election officials reported a steady voter turnout throughout the day. Polling commenced at 7:30 a.m. and concluded peacefully without any untoward incident.
In Atoizu, polling for Ward No. 9 was also conducted smoothly and peacefully. The election witnessed a straight contest between NPF candidate G. Shikavi Kiba and Independent candidate Inaka Z. Chishi. Election officials reported that polling concluded without any disturbance.
Polling in Wokha was marked by a series of disturbances despite a high voter turnout as voting was conducted at Art and Culture Office and Electrical Office polling stations. The by-election was necessitated following the demise of WTC chairperson Khozamo Murry in December 2025. NPF candidate Ar. Aling Lotha and BJP candidate Mhomo Humtsoe contested the election. Both candidates expressed confidence of victory. Aling said he was contesting from his late father’s seat and believed many voters continued to support his father’s legacy.
Humtsoe alleged that he sustained an injury on his forehead during an attack by supporters of another political party at around 4:30 a.m. and said an FIR had been lodged. There were also reports of stone pelting. However, no other injuries were reported.
Following repeated incidents and reports of possible breaches of peace, deputy commissioner and district magistrate K. Mhathung Tsanglao imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023.
Security was tightened at polling stations and entry was restricted to voters carrying voter slips and Aadhaar cards. The situation was subsequently brought under control and polling continued until completion.
Advisor and DPDB chairman Mhathung Yanthan, MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe, advisor to chief minister Dr. Chumben Murry, and representatives of the Lotha Eloe Hoho and civil society organisations visited the polling stations.
As per the election schedule, any re-poll, if required, will be held on June 18, while counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on June 19 from 8 a.m. onwards.