Escalating poll-related violence

Democracy and violence are inextricably linked, and even the world’s most mature democracies have been unable to break the link. Election-related violence is not uncommon in Nagaland, and it is especially prevalent in Mokokchung.

Violence has been used to secure electoral rewards, maintain political dominance, seize scarce state resources, and monopolize democratic space. Violence appears to have become an accepted method of engaging in politics in many democracies.

With less than a week until the elections on February 27, alarm bells have begun to sound in Nagaland about the escalating violence.

Several bullets were allegedly fired at the home of NDPP candidate Moatoshi in 2 Dimapur II AC in Dimapur by LJP(RV) supporters. Meanwhile, an NCP supporter’s house in Wokha district was allegedly attacked and destroyed by BJP workers.

Unknown miscreants torched a farmhouse belonging to Chiyingo Kikon, personal assistant to deputy chief minister Y Patton, in the 37 Tyui AC, Wokha district, earlier in February.

Unidentified miscreants further vandalized a house in Mokokchung town at around 10:30 p.m. on February 6, injuring two people.

This was followed by a minor squabble between supporters of two candidates in 28 Koridang AC on February 15, which the police described as ‘tense’. Following the minor squabble in Longkhum village on February 15, new poll-related violence erupted injuring two people.

Stone pelting was also reported in 26 Aonglenden AC, with reports claiming that a few people were seriously injured.

On Sunday evening, a convoy of NPP leaders, including State President Dr Andrew Ahoto, was reportedly attacked at Thoktsur junction and Pang village in Noklak district.

On Monday night in Nagaland’s Mon district, unidentified miscreants set fire to the vehicle of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidate from the Tizit constituency.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday night, February 22, NCP ‘goons’ led by their women’s wing allegedly attacked the residence of one female Executive Member, ST Morcha BJP Nagaland in 38 Wokha AC.

On the same day, the nephew of a JD (U) candidate in Mokokchung’s 28 Koridang AC was discovered dead.

There are two critical issues here. These incidents occur despite the fact that the state has 50 companies of central armed police force (CAPF) deployed to ensure “free and fair assembly elections in Nagaland,” with 40% of polling stations designated as “critical” by the Election Commission.

According to reports, Nagaland’s Chief Election Officer has stated that the state is ‘fully prepared’ for the election. Shouldn’t ‘fully prepared’ include measures to prevent violence? How is it that some violence occurs in places in presence of tight security?

At the same time, it is the candidates’ and political parties’ responsibility to ask their supporters to exercise restraint. To ensure a free and fair election, the administration must work hand in hand with the village authority. Meanwhile, the village authorities must collaborate with the general public, women’s organizations, and the church. Most importantly, political leaders on all sides must calm workers and allow independent institutions to do their work.

How is it that during the election, the society succumbed into lawlessness? What are the rallies and calls for ‘free and fair election’ if preemptive measures laid down in papers are not executed as they should?