March 26
April 9 declared paid holiday for Koridang by-election
The Home Department, Government of Nagaland, has notified that, in accordance with Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the day of poll for the by-election to the 28-Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency, scheduled on April 9, 2026 (Thursday), has been declared a paid holiday.
The paid holiday will apply to all persons who are electors in the said constituency and are employed in government offices, …banks, financial institutions, private establishments, industrial undertakings, or any other organisation, including daily wage and casual workers, to enable them to exercise their franchise.
The provision will also cover electors working on a shift basis in any establishment or shop. It further applies to electors who are ordinarily residents of the constituency but are employed outside the constituency, ensuring they are also entitled to the benefit of a paid holiday.
However, the provision will not apply to electors whose absence may cause danger or substantial loss in respect of the employment in which they are engaged.
In view of the upcoming bye-election to the 28 A/C Koridang (ST) constituency, the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer (DC & DEO) of Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, has issued a directive regarding the stationing of government personnel.
The order, which has come into effect immediately, mandates that all Heads of Departments and government officials and staff assigned to election duties within Mokokchung district remain at their respective stations. The measure has been taken to ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of election-related activities.
According to the notification dated March 24, 2026, any officer or staff member required to leave the station under unavoidable circumstances must obtain prior written permission from the DC and DEO.
The administration has warned that non-compliance will be viewed seriously and strict action will be taken against defaulters as per relevant rules. The directive will remain in force until further notice.
DRI activates vigil mechanism ahead of Koridang bye-election
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Guwahati Zonal Unit under the Ministry of Finance, has issued a public notice ahead of the bye-election to the 28–Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency in Nagaland.
According to the notice, the DRI is the nodal agency of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs for the by-election in the state and is tasked with supporting the conduct of free and fair elections by curbing illegal activities such as smuggling and illicit trade.
“General Public is hereby informed that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, is the nodal agency of CBIC for by-elections in Nagaland and is playing a crucial role in supporting the conduct of free and fair elections by preventing activities such as smuggling of contraband items and illicit trade that may influence or disrupt the electoral process.”
The public has been urged to remain vigilant during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and report any information related to smuggling of goods, narcotics, gold, foreign currency, wildlife items, or other contraband.
“Persons providing specific and actionable information leading to successful detection/seizure shall be rewarded as per existing government policies. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.”
The notice also shared helpline and WhatsApp numbers (8376056898 / 8147923960) for reporting such activities.
The DRI said the initiative aims to raise public awareness, encourage citizen participation, and prevent malpractices that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
EC announces exit poll ban
T he Election Commission of India has imposed a ban on the conduct and publication of exit polls in connection with the forthcoming general elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, along with bye-elections in eight Assembly constituencies across six states.
According to an official communication issued by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, the restriction will be in force from 7:00 AM on April 9, 2026, until 6:30 PM on April 29, 2026. During this period, conducting, publishing, or publicising the results of any exit poll through print, electronic media, or any other means will be strictly prohibited.
The directive is in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which empowers the Commission to regulate such activities during elections. Any violation of the order may attract penal action, including imprisonment or fine, or both.
It has also been clarified that the display of opinion poll results or similar survey findings in electronic media will not be permitted during the 48 hours leading up to the conclusion of polling in the concerned areas.
The notification has been circulated to all concerned authorities, including media organisations, for strict compliance during the election period.
Longkhum bans overnight stay of non-citizens without council approval
L ongkhum Putu Menden, in a declaration issued on March 24, announced that no non-citizens of Longkhum village will be allowed to stay overnight within the village’s jurisdiction without the express approval of the village council until the conclusion of the forthcoming by-election to the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency. The Putu Menden further stated that defaulters will be held accountable.