Nagaland election 2023: Poll-related violence reported; 1 dead in accident

At least three major poll-related violent incidents were reported in Nagaland on the day of polling, which began at 7 am and concluded at 4 pm, on Monday.

IGP Range, Limasunep Jamir, told journalist in Kohima after the polling ended that supporters of two political parties clashed at Akuk village in Wokha under 40 Bhandari AC, leading to firing and pelting of stones, thus injuring three persons.

The incident happened around 6:30 am in the vicinity of polling stations No. 1 and 4 located at GHS Akuk village. However, it could not be ascertained from which side the gun shots were fired.

The Madhya Pradesh SAP stationed at the polling station fired eight rounds in the air and the situation was eventually brought under control. The injured persons, who were evacuated to the hospital for treatment, are said to be out of danger.

In another incident, some unknown miscreants pelted stone at the security personnel on Striking Reserve duty in Mon under 55 A/C Monyakshu. An ITBP jawan and a Nagaland Police personnel sustained minor injuries, said Jamir, adding that they were reportedly injured while escaping in the incident.

Another firing incident was reported at Awotsakili village about 200 meters from Polling Station 2 under 32 Atoizu AC. “UG elements are suspected to be involved (in this incident,” he said adding that the “blank firing” was suspected to be “diversionary tactics”.

‘Three firing incidents were reported at 1030 hrs, 1130 hrs and 1300 hrs. Reinforcement of one section of 35 UP PAC, 1 section of E9 IRB and special team of DEF Zunheboto 4 personnel were sent to the spot. There was no report of casualty and destruction of property,’ he updated.

He added that a few cases of minor skirmishes and heated exchanges between the supporters of rival political parties were reported in Mokokchung, Wokha, Mon, Zunheboto and Tseminyu districts on the polling day but timely intervention and presence of Nagaland Police and CAPF personnel prevented further escalation.

1 dead, 3 injured in accident

In an unfortunate incident in Wokha, a vehicle carrying Madhya Pradesh Police personnel, who were in the state on election duty, met with accident near N Longchum village in Wokha district, killing one (a constable) and injuring three others on Monday.

The mortal remains of the deceased had being taken to Wokha town for further necessary formalities, while the injured persons had been evacuated for medical treatment, said the IGP (Range).

INR 35.79 crore seized

On the polling day, the police seized INR 1,99,350 from across the state, taking the total seizure after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force to INR 35,79,49,059, which is a 10 fold increase over the previous election in 2018.

As many as 40 people were bound down in the last 24 hours of the polling, taking the total to 2900.

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