Clashes in Longkhum and Mangmetong prompt curfew, heavy deployment of forces
Back-to-back incidents of violence in Longkhum and Mangmetong villages in the run-up to the April 9 Koridang by-election have raised concerns over security preparedness, with one person succumbing to injuries and multiple cases of clashes, vandalism, and arrests reported.
In Longkhum, clashes reportedly broke out between supporters of BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen and independent candidate Major Toshikaba (Retd) at around 11 PM on April 5. According to police, the incident involved stone pelting, and the rival political camps were located in close proximity.
Sr Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung, Vusupreo Kezo, stated that security personnel, including IRB, rushed to the spot upon receiving information. “On reaching the spot, under the cover of darkness, the individuals involved fled. Patrolling was continued in other colonies, and at that point of time, no injuries were reported,” he said.
However, it was later learnt that three individuals had sustained injuries during the clash and had sought treatment at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH). Police personnel visited the hospital the following morning to inquire into the incident.
“At the time of interrogation, they were conscious and stable,” the SP said.
A second incident of clash was reported at around 5 AM at the same location. The SP stated that 24×7 deployment was already in place, and a search operation led to the apprehension of 16 individuals who were reportedly hiding in the jungle.
“Out of the sixteen, 11 are supporters of the independent candidate and 5 are from BJP. A case has been registered against them,” Kezo said.
Meanwhile, Imrongsungba Imchen (38), who had sustained injuries during the 11 PM clash, later succumbed to his injuries.
“The matter will be assessed to ascertain how he was murdered. We will conduct a thorough investigation to unearth who is responsible,” the SP said.
Additionally, the SP said that an FIR had been registered on April 6 in connection with the earlier incident of causing injury, and would be converted into a murder case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“The situation in Longkhum is tense. Additional forces, including IRB and anti-riot control teams, have been deployed. As of now, it is under control,” he added.
The district administration has also imposed curfew in the area.
Police further stated that, as per available reports, no involvement of NPP has been indicated and no complaints have been received in that regard.
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In a separate incident in Mangmetong, police reported that information was received about a gathering call made in the village around 8 AM, allegedly urging people of a certain age group to assemble and “drive away outsiders.”
“On receiving the information, one company was deployed and proceeded to the site. However, by the time they reached, the destruction had already taken place,” the SP said.
As per the FIR lodged by Independent candidate Imchatoba, 12 vehicles belonging to his supporters were damaged, and two to three houses were vandalised. The complaint also stated that two individuals were assaulted, although police said this claim is yet to be verified.
“We have registered a case against all those involved. As per the FIR, 67 persons have been named, including members of the Mangmetong Village Council,” Kezo said.
Police also confirmed that an FIR had been lodged based on a complaint of threat and intimidation by candidate Imchatoba Imchen.
During search operations conducted along with village council members, authorities recovered “11 cartridges and two crude boxes” from the area. One house has been seized and sealed in the presence of a magistrate.
Police added that many of those allegedly involved fled into the jungle, and efforts are ongoing to trace them.
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Following the incident, the Deputy Commissioner has imposed a night curfew in Mangmetong.
“We will enforce it very seriously. One company and one platoon have been deployed as of now,” the SP said.
Police also informed that one BJP supporter, who was reportedly injured while attempting to flee, has been arrested.
With incidents reported from both Longkhum and Mangmetong within a short span of time, the developments have drawn attention to the evolving security situation ahead of the Koridang bypoll.
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While authorities maintain that the situation is under control with curfew and additional forces in place, the incidents, particularly the loss of life in Longkhum, highlight the challenges of containing pre-poll tensions in the constituency.
