Alichen records lower participation, officials respond to allegations
Polling for the Koridang by-election passed off largely peacefully on Thursday, days after pre-poll violence claimed one life, with all polling stations visited by this newspaper reporting orderly conduct under security deployment.
The constituency recorded an overall turnout of 82.21%, according to available data.
However, observations across polling stations indicated uneven voter participation, with noticeable variations between clusters. While several areas recorded high turnout, Alichen was observed to have significantly lower participation in comparison.
Within Alichen, some polling stations witnessed particularly low turnout based on field observations.
Some voters alleged “targeted suppression,” although these claims could not be independently verified.
When asked about the heightened security deployment in Alichen, Ajit Kumar Verma IAS, Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung and District Election Officer; and Vesupra Kezo, Superintendent of Mokokchung Police stated, “Alichen has a history of violence, which is why we prioritised the area with enhanced security deployment.”
Responding to allegations that security forces were siding with the ruling BJP, the officials denied the claims, stating, “Opportunity was equally given to all. When polling officials checked their genuine IDs, they were unable to produce them and hence were denied entry. We were very strict by allowing only genuine voters to vote”.
They further stated that deployment of security personnel was carried out based on requirements and inputs from sector commanders, maintaining that there was no discrimination in the deployment of forces.
Meanwhile, isolated allegations of “outside voters” surfaced at Alichen Polling Stations II and IV. Video footage available with MT shows Alichen Council and security personnel asking a group of car parked near the polling stations to leave following objections raised at the sites.
Officials did not confirm the identities of those involved.
Amidst rainfall and heavy security presence, polling proceeded and no untoward incidents were reported during the day.
On the conclusion of polling, talking to media, the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police thanked all stakeholders – including the election machinery, security personnel, civil society organisations such as Ao Senden, church leaders including ABAM, and village councils – for their role in maintaining law and order.
Describing the bypoll as a “tough election”, Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, said, “It was a tough election. We all worked hard and very strongly. This is one of the most violent Assembly constituencies, and we tried our best to ensure that violence does not take place in the district. Preemptive measures are really important.”
Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said the election posed a “challenge,” adding that the entire government machinery was involved in monitoring the process. He also lauded the team including the DC and RO, police personnel and everyone involved adding, “It was quite a good team,” he said.
The bypoll thus concluded peacefully on polling day, though variations in turnout across clusters are likely to draw attention.
