One person succumbed to injuries while scores were injured in pre-poll violence between supporters of rival candidates that erupted at Longkhum under Mokokchung district ahead of the April 9 by-election to the 28-Koridang Assembly constituency.
According to police, one of the three persons injured in the clash at Longkhum village succumbed to injuries while being referred to Dimapur. The deceased has been identified as Imrongsungba Imchen (38), a resident of Artang ward in Mokokchung. Official confirmation regarding the exact circumstances of the death was still awaited at the time of filing this report.
Addl. SP & PRO Mokokchung police disclosed that stone pelting erupted at Longkhum village Sunday midnight, injuring three persons who were admitted to Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital, Mokokchung.
Sixteen persons were arrested in connection with the clash. SP and PRO said the situation at Longkhum was currently under control but remained tense and volatile.
Meanwhile, in another incident at Mangmetong village, unidentified persons vandalised vehicles around 7 a.m. on Monday, damaging at least 12 vehicles. No injuries were reported in the incident. During search operations in the area, police recovered arms and ammunition and arrested one suspect in connection with the vandalism.
In response to the violence, Deputy Commissioner (DC) & District Election Officer (DEO) Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, has withdrawn permission granted for setting up two temporary political offices at Longkhum village with immediate effect, citing breach of law and order and non-compliance with stipulated conditions. The permissions, originally granted on April 2, were cancelled through separate notifications issued on April 6 by the SDO (Civil), Mokokchung, who is also the returning officer for 28 Koridang A/C.
Night curfew imposed in parts of Koridang A/C
In a related development, the DC & DEO Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, has imposed a night curfew in parts of the district to maintain public peace ahead of the by-election.
According to an order issued Monday, the night curfew has been clamped at Longkhum village, Mangmetong village, and Alichen area, including the 2nd NAP Camp. The order stated that reports from Sector Magistrates and the Senior Superintendent of Police indicated a potential threat to public tranquillity that could endanger human life and property.
Under the restrictions, assembly of five or more persons has been prohibited in the notified areas.
The night curfew will remain in force daily from 6 pm to 5 am until further orders.
Exemptions have been granted to police, armed forces and security personnel on duty, magistrates and government officials on official or election duty, medical personnel, ambulance services, and individuals engaged in essential or emergency services.