Guwahati: In a shocking incident of yet more election-related violence in Nagaland, a protester was reportedly shot and killed by police on Wednesday night at Noklak Assembly constituency.
The incident came to light 6-hours before re-polling at four polling stations in four districts namely Zunheboto, Wokha, Mon and Noklak districts of Nagaland on Wednesday. The second poll began at 7 am and lasted all day until 4 pm.
Reports state that a fight broke out between political party supporters who were protesting outside the DC gate near the Noklak local ground and calling for a new election for the 56th Noklak Assembly constituency.
Once the rally got violent, the police started firing blank shots at the crowd to intimidate them.
One person is suspected of having a gunshot wound and died on arrival at the hospital.
The deceased’s family is now seeking justice for him.
Reason for the protest
It has been revealed that on Election Day, or February 27, the polling officer allegedly removed the electronic voting machine (EVM) without obtaining the polling agents’ signatures. Many other voters, who had waited all day in a polling location within the constituency, were also denied the chance to cast their ballots.
In response, the supporters of a political party sent a complaint letter to Noklak DC on February 27 asking for a re-poll for the polling station in Noklak village “A,” but it was reportedly rejected.
The political party’s supporters became enraged the next day when it was discovered that the re-poll for the Noklak village “A” polling station was not featured in the Election Commission of India (ECI) notification declaring fresh elections in four districts of the state on March 1.
The demonstrators then marched to the deputy commissioner’s office to demand an electronic voting machine (EVM) or a recount at the Noklak village polling place “A.”
The security officers used blank fire and tear gas shells to disperse the gathering.
Post-Violence in Nagaland
Several violent occurrences were reported from various parts of Nagaland on Tuesday after the voting was completed on February 27.
In response to the post-election violence, the state government cut off mobile internet access in the Kiphire district, while the district administration in Longleng enforced a curfew in the town to prevent a breakdown in peace and order.
According to a report by Nagaland Post, when supporters of a candidate demanding re-polling at some polling stations in Kiphire district approached the IRB staff near the DC office in Kiphire town, at least three youths and one IRBn jawan were injured. The Deputy Commissioner’s office was also attacked by the supporters’ rocks. Three to four residences were also damaged by the adolescents, according to Kiphire Police. But, prompt police involvement stopped the incident from getting out of hand. The situation in the town remained tense till evening.
Internet suspended
According to a report by the Nagaland Post, the Home department in Kiphire suspended mobile internet service throughout the entire district with immediate effect until further orders due to concerns about serious law and order issues, post-election violence, and the potential use of messaging services like SMS, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms to spread rumours, false information, and circulate inflammatory texts, pictures, videos, etc.
Former home commissioner Abhijit Sinha issued an order and warned that any infraction will be punished under Section 188 of the Criminal Procedure Code and the applicable provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885.
Curfew in Longleng town
While on the other hand, DC Longleng Dharam Raj has ordered the imposition of a curfew in Longleng town, prohibiting any movement of people outside of their respective residence, with effect from 12 noon on February 28 until 7 p.m. on March 1. This was done in response to reports that there was a likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquilly, and grave danger to human lives and property due to unlawful activities by some organisations.
However, DC declared that government organisations responsible for maintaining law and order and providing other important services would not be subject to the curfew. A request for authorization may be submitted to the DC or superintendent of police in the event of any emergency or for people wishing to attend funerals, etc. Nonetheless, they would be confined to one location until they received official permission. According to accounts, supporters of two competing candidates engaged in stone-throwing, which also resulted in some homes and vehicles being destroyed. Also, there were instances of blank firing.