BJP supporters accused of intimidation in Dimapur ULB polls

DIMAPUR — Allegations of intimidation and disturbances by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters have surfaced in Dimapur.

A Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) candidate for Ward 22, Orenponi Humtsoe, and an Independent candidate for Ward 7, Tolika K Tsuqu, have both accused BJP supporters of creating unrest and attempting to provoke tensions in their respective colonies.

Humtsoe, speaking at a press conference in Rainbow Colony on Sunday, stated that while campaigning had been peaceful until recently, the situation escalated following the distribution of voter slips. She recounted an incident on the night of June 22, where a convoy of 30-40 BJP vehicles allegedly created a disturbance, forcing her to end a speech prematurely. The convoy reportedly circled the colony three times, raising concerns about potential escalation on polling day.

Maintaining that she intends to conduct free and fair elections in a peaceful environment, she urged voters of Ward 22 not to be intimidated but to come forward and vote. She also expressed gratitude to the sector officer for taking prompt action and providing security during the incident and appealed to the administration to ensure sufficient security on polling day.

She also alleged that BJP supporters, not from Ward 22, caused disturbances during voter slip distribution on June 21. While no formal complaint has been filed yet, besides verbally informing the authorities, Humtsoe stated that one will be filed if necessary.

Reiterating the candidate’s concerns, Ruth Pochury, the chief agent for the NDPP candidate in Ward 22 Dimapur, alleged that BJP supporters not only tried to provoke but also threatened their supporters by warning them to be cautious on election day.

On Sunday, the Rainbow Colony Council unanimously resolved to prohibit outsiders from entering polling station no. 5 on June 26, stating that stern action would be taken against any individual or voters who ever try to create any form of disturbance or violence during the polling.

Meanwhile, Tolika K. Tsuqu, an independent candidate from Ward 7 contesting the Dimapur Municipal Council elections, voiced concerns about alleged intimidation tactics by BJP supporters targeting non-Naga voters, who constitute 80% of the ward’s electorate.

Speaking to reporters at Xuvihe Colony, she urged the voters not to be afraid, assuring them of her support and also mentioned that police will be present during polling day. A silent rally is being organised to urge the voters to come out and vote on June 26, she said.

Tsuqu alleged that BJP youths from outside her colony are creating a lot of disturbance, particularly when they drive past her house, honking their vehicles and attempting to provoke her supporters. She added that these activities occur at night, disturbing even sleeping children.

While she is yet to file any formal complaints with the sector officer, she appealed to the BJP supporters to refrain from such actions so that the election could proceed peacefully. If these activities continue, she would file a complaint with the sector officer and the police, she added.

Also read: Nagaland ULB polls 2024: 523 candidates in fray for 214 seats