Violence disrupted the Wokha by-election, while polling in Chümoukedima and Atoizu concluded peacefully.
Share
DIMAPUR/WOKHA — Voting for by-elections to three municipal wards in Nagaland was conducted on Tuesday, with polling in Wokha disrupted by violence while elections in Chümoukedima and Atoizu concluded peacefully.
Polling was held in Ward No. 11 (Chaara) under the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC), Ward No. 8 (Tsumang 'B') under the Wokha Town Council, and Ward No. 9 (Samba Ghoki) under the Atoizu Town Council.
The by-election to Ward No. 8, Tsumang 'B', under the Wokha Town Council recorded a voter turnout of 69.37%, with polling conducted at two designated stations from 7:30 am to 4 pm.
According to reports, BJP candidate Mhomo Humtsoe and two party observers were allegedly assaulted by members of the opposing party in the early hours of polling day, leaving Humtsoe with a head injury.
Despite the incident, voting proceeded peacefully until around 1 pm, when a clash involving stone pelting disrupted the process.
Following the incident, District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, K. Mhathung Tsanglao, imposed restrictions under Section 166 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, prohibiting gatherings of five or more persons in the area.
Security personnel brought the situation under control, with additional Indian Reserve Police personnel deployed to maintain order.
According to sources, two police personnel sustained injuries while three others received minor bruises. One individual was apprehended in connection with the violence.
Reacting to the reported incident, BJP Legislature Party leader Yanthungo Patton strongly condemned the alleged intimidation and physical assault involving Humtsoe during the by-election process.
In a statement posted on X, Patton said violence, threats and attempts to create fear have no place in a democracy and that elections must be decided by the will of the people through the ballot and not through intimidation or disorder.
He said the unfortunate incident went against the values of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and democratic participation.
Stating that every candidate, party worker and voter deserves to participate in the electoral process without fear or harassment, he said that accountability must prevail wherever wrongdoing is established.
Patton further appealed to BJP workers and supporters to remain calm, disciplined and united and not allow provocation to distract them from democratic principles while calling upon all political parties, leaders and supporters to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process and ensure that the by-election is conducted in a peaceful, free and fair manner.
Chümoukedima poll peaceful
Meanwhile in Chümoukedima, polling for Ward No. 11 commenced at 7:30 am at the Government Middle School polling station and concluded without any untoward incident.
The ward has 677 registered voters and recorded a voter turnout of 83.60%.
The contest was between BJP candidate Kezhangutuo Zhotso and NPF candidate Neichü-u Kuotsu.
Returning Officer and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima, T Lemlila Sangtam, said the election was conducted successfully and peacefully with the cooperation of all stakeholders, including political parties, polling personnel, security agencies and the public.
She stated that the democratic principle of "one person, one vote" was strictly adhered to throughout the polling process and thanked all stakeholders for ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election.
Speaking to media persons after visiting the polling station, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, stating that polling was progressing peacefully and smoothly.
Responding to reports of the alleged assault on the BJP candidate in Wokha, Rio said he was unaware of the incident but stressed that every election, whether a general election or a by-election, should uphold democratic principles.
"There should be free and fair polling, and people should be able to cast their votes without fear or favour," he added.
Asked whether the BJP and NPF contesting against each other reflected differences within the ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), Rio clarified that both parties remain allies at the state level.
WATCH MORE:
He said the parties had seat-sharing arrangements during Assembly elections and continue to remain in alliance, adding that a friendly contest in local body elections is part of democracy.
On the prospects of the NPF in the Ward No. 11 contest, Rio expressed confidence in the party's chances.
Referring to Ghaspani-I Assembly Constituency, he pointed out that while the Assembly seat is represented by the BJP, the NPF currently enjoys a majority in the Chümoukedima Town Council and administers the council.
Asked whether the BJP and NPF would contest separately in future elections, Rio declined to comment, saying the matter rests with the respective party leadership.
Read more local news: Governor launches Census 2027 self-enumeration in Nagaland
Speaking to media persons, NPF candidate Neichü-u Kuotsu said that if elected, he would work sincerely to bring development to the ward and identified improvement of drainage systems, road infrastructure and better road connectivity as his immediate priorities.
BJP candidate Kezhangutuo Zhotso expressed confidence in his electoral prospects, and said he had visited every household in the ward several times during the campaign and interacted closely with residents.
On the NPF's majority in the Chümoukedima Town Council, Zhotso said the outcome of the by-election would not alter the council's overall political composition.
"At present, the BJP has three councillors. Even if I am elected, we will have four councillors while the NPF will continue to enjoy the majority. There is nothing to worry about," he said.
If elected, he said his priority would be to promote unity among Naga youth and encourage a spirit of togetherness beyond tribal affiliations, beginning from Ward No. 11 of Chümoukedima Town.
Atoizu records peaceful polling
The by-election to Ward No. 9 (Samba Ghoki) of the Atoizu Town Council was also conducted peacefully.
The election witnessed a straight contest between NPF candidate G Shikavi Kiba and Independent candidate Inaka Z Chishi.
Election officials reported smooth conduct of polling throughout the day, with no untoward incident reported.