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

Firing reported in Nagaland between the supporters of two candidates from 2 Dimapur-II Assembly Constituency (AC)

In an unfortunate incident, a clash between the supporters of two candidates from 2 Dimapur-II Assembly Constituency (AC) was reported on Saturday night, leaving two persons with minor injuries, said Dimapur police.

A police officer told this newspaper that the two persons, who were injured during the confrontation, are out of danger.

The police informed that they received a call at around 8:50 pm on Saturday regarding the incident at Indisen village. They rushed to the spot and took controlled of the situation, he said, adding that they had spoken to both the parties.

The confrontation was between the supporters of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) candidate Y Vikheho Awomi and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) candidate Moatoshi Longkumer, who are contesting from Dimapur-II AC.

Read: Youth rally held in support of Moatoshi Longkumer

The police officer informed that three empty bullet shells of .22 pistols were recovered from the spot of the confrontation. A few vehicles belonging to the LJP (RV) were also damaged in the clash and they have been taken to West Police Station for further probe.

While speculations are doing the rounds on who might have opened fire, the police didn’t divulge any information on it but said investigations are on.

Meanwhile, the LJP (Ram Vilas) has filed an FIR at the West Police Station, the police officer said, adding that they have also received information that the NDPP will lodge an FIR in connection with the firing incident.

Vikheho Awomi, the LJP (Ram Vilas) candidate for Dimapur-II AC, had taken to Twitter to condemn the incident.

“I condemn the violence between my supporters & Shri. Moatoshi supporters at Indisen Village. The untoward incident was uncalled for. I appreciate my supporters for not retaliating & escalating the situation. I urge upon the supporters to ensure peaceful, free & fair election,” he wrote. (Dimapur, EMN)