The nephew of JD (U) candidate T Chalukumba Ao in 28 Koridang AC, Mokokchung, was discovered dead on Wednesday between Satier and New Camp, about 10 kilometers from Chungtia village in Mokokchung district, according to police.
Sources said the deceased, Imkongchiba, 34, went missing on Tuesday while he and another person, both residents of Chungtia village, were returning home from a funeral when a few “masked men” attacked the vehicle they were travelling in and abducted him after assaulting the driver.
Imkongchiba’s body was discovered by a road in a forested area on Wednesday around 3:00 PM, according to police.
Locals from nearby areas said they went looking for him on Tuesday night between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM but found nothing. As a result, they kept looking for him even on Wednesday. According to locals, his body was discovered by his relatives.
Meanwhile, according to a PTI report, the JD (U) candidate who went to the spot pointed a finger at his political opponents.
“They might be involved in some way… We don’t know much yet, only that some miscreants were involved. Police must find out the truth,” he was quoted by PTI.
In addition to an Independent candidate, the BJP and NPF are running for the 28 Koridang AC seat. Elections for the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly will be held on February 27, and votes will be counted on March 2.
Chungtia Students’ Union condemns
Calling it a ‘cowardly and inhuman act’, the Chungtia Students’ Union has condemned the alleged brutal murder of their bonafide member Lt. Imkongchiba Kichu stating that, “Such level of violence is not the answer to anything in today’s world.”
The Students’ Union further added that they will not rest till the criminals are condemned as per the law.
The Chungtia Students’ Union offered their condolences to the family and urged the district administration to serve justice at the earliest.
NPP Mokokchung District condemns
The National People’s Party, Mokokchung District through a press release condemned the alleged brutal killing stating that it is unacceptable for “violence and intimidation to be used to silence and harm individuals exercising their right to vote.”
“The right to vote and participate in the democratic process is a fundamental right, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of life that occurred during this election,” it stated.
The party extended their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
“It is imperative that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions,” it added.
Claiming themselves to be an organization committed to promoting peace, justice, and human rights, the party urged all parties to respect the “democratic process and ensure that elections are free, fair, and safe for all individuals.”
The party also appealed to the authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent violence and ensure the safety and security of voters, poll workers, and election observers.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Chungtia during this difficult time and reiterate our commitment to supporting efforts to strengthen democracy and protect human rights around Nagaland,” the NPP stated.
