Dimapur II AC candidates clarify on firing incident; appeal for peace

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) candidate, Y Vikheho Awomi and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) candidate, Moatoshi Longkumer, from Dimapur II Assembly Constituency, on Sunday, clarified on the clash between the supporters of the two candidates on Saturday night.

Addressing the media from his residence at Thahekhu village, Y Vikheho Awomi, said his party had an official campaign at New Market on Saturday evening, and his supporters received a call regarding a fire near Faith Hospital. Therefore, his supporters, who were travelling towards that area, took a different route in order to avoid traffic congestion. However, by the time they reached there, fire brigade personnel had already taken control of the incident, he said.

While returning, the road was blocked and unfortunately one of the vehicles broke down. Suddenly, there was stone pelting and their supporters were attacked and the vehicle was damaged, Awomi claimed.

After receiving information about the incident, he called his supporters and urged them not to escalate the situation further.

He said this kind of incident should be condemned by all and not be encouraged.

Awomi said an FIR had been lodged by his supporters, who were present during the incident, at West Police Station, adding that no one has the right to take law into their own hands.

He said that everybody has the right to support any political party and any candidate as per their choice as it is democratic country; adding that they did not receive any intimation that an official campaign was going on.

He went on to state that the enforcing agencies would find out the truth and expressed confidence that it (truth) will come out in no time. He also requested the agencies to bring out the truth in public domain clearly.

Further, Awomi appealed to the public to not drag the issue further as the law enforcing agencies had taken over the case. He added that both the parties should rest this issue and everyone should put in effort to conduct the election in a peaceful manner.

Meanwhile, speaking to media persons at his private residence at Indisen village, NDPP candidate Moatoshi Longkumer said the story being spread in the media “was full of lies”.

At the time of the incident, Longkumer said he was in his living room and after hearing gunshots outside his residence, he rushed outside to take stock of the situation.

Longkumer further stated that while returning back, the Indisen youths camped outside his residence confronted the LJP (Ram Vilas) supporters ‘since they were breaking bottles which led to some altercations’.

He added that the police and district administration were informed of the situation as soon as possible and later NDPP lodged a complaint to the Returning Officer (RO) and Commissioner of Police.

When asked whether NDPP party workers were involved in the confrontation, he clarified that the confrontation was done by the Indisen youths, who were camped outside his residence to keep vigil of any untoward incidents.

Longkumer however appealed to all parties to stop provoking others, and told the youths to act peacefully.

Related news: Pre-poll violence: Firing reported in Nagaland; 2 injured in clash

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) candidate, Y Vikheho Awomi and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party () candidate, Moatoshi Longkumer, from Dimapur II Assembly Constituency, on Sunday, clarified on the clash between the supporters of the two candidates on Saturday night.

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) candidate, Y Vikheho Awomi and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party () candidate, Moatoshi Longkumer, from Dimapur II Assembly Constituency, on Sunday, clarified on the clash between the supporters of the two candidates on Saturday night.

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