NBCC warns against normalising poll violence, calls for accountability

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has condemned an incident of poll-related violence in Wokha and cautioned against the growing normalisation of violence, intimidation and vandalism in electoral contests.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dr. Villo Naleo, secretary of Social Concern, NBCC, said such practices threaten the social fabric of communities and erode public trust in democratic institutions.

Referring to the reported attack on a candidate during the by-poll in Wokha on Tuesday, the council described the incident as "reprehensible and utterly unacceptable".

The NBCC stated that elections are democratic exercises through which citizens freely choose their leaders and should not become arenas for hostility and aggression.

Stressing that no political ambition or electoral gain can justify violence, it called for those responsible for perpetrating, instigating or condoning such acts to be held accountable under the law.

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The council also appealed to political parties, civil society organisations and community leaders to reject violence and promote democratic values rooted in dialogue and mutual respect.

Expressing solidarity with victims of election-related violence, regardless of political affiliation, the NBCC urged citizens to reject intimidation, hatred and divisive politics.

The council further used the occasion to remind elected MLAs and municipal councillors of the commitments they made to voters during election campaigns.