Administrative intervention was initiated in the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency following complaints of village-level actions affecting candidature and campaigning, with Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma reiterating that such measures are in violation of election norms.
According to Verma, a complaint was received alleging that Independent candidate Imchatoba had been prevented from campaigning in his village by the Mangmetong Village Council, an act described as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and “illegal.” Following this, a team was dispatched to the village and a meeting was held at around 4 PM on March 28.
During the meeting, the village council reportedly stated that its decision had been taken under apprehensions that the situation could escalate. Verma said certain clarifications were issued, and a compliance report was subsequently submitted by the village council.
“The Village Council cannot stop candidates from entering or campaigning,” Verma stated.
Following that, in a separate instance on the same day, a village-level notification from the Mangmetong Village Council directing all its unit in Mokokchung, Kohima, Dimapur and Alichen to support for Daochier I Imchen also came under scrutiny.
Verma said the concerned village authorities were summoned to the DC’s office on 29 March, where they were informed that such directives were in violation of the Nagaland Village Council Act as well as election norms. During the meeting, the Mangmetong Village Council reportedly expressed regret and acknowledged the lapse.
A compliance report confirming withdrawal of the support notification has been sought, though it had not been received at the time of filing this report.
To ensure that such incidents are kept in check, the administration has stepped up monitoring and security measures across the constituency. Verma informed that security deployment has been increased, with additional sector magistrates and commanders assigned.
Out of 30 polling stations in the constituency, 17 have been categorised as ‘critical’ and 13 as ‘vulnerable.’
“All polling stations are sensitive in nature,” Verma said.
Further, the number of sectors has been increased from four to six, with three zonal magistrates overseeing operations under them.
Verma added that adequate security forces have been deployed while also noting the role of village councils in ensuring peaceful elections. “Village councils are very crucial to ensure non-violent elections,” he said.
Among other measures, two teams of women polling personnel have been constituted, and two model polling stations are being set up to encourage voter participation. All polling stations will also be under CCTV coverage, he added.
