The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Mokokchung, has stated that no instances of impersonation of India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel were found in Chungtia, Longkhum, and Mangmetong villages, following verification of allegations raised earlier.
In a clarification submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer (DEO), Mokokchung, the SSP stated that IRB personnel had been deployed in the three villages in view of the prevailing law and order situation, particularly after incidents of political clashes and electoral offences reported in the area.
It was informed that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed in Chungtia on March 29, while disturbances in Longkhum and Mangmetong, including clashes between supporters of different political parties, had resulted in casualties, injuries, and damage to property.
Addressing the allegation of impersonation, the SSP stated that sector commanders were directed to verify the identity and deployment details of all IRB personnel posted in the affected locations. “Upon verification, no case of impersonation was detected among the personnel deployed,” the clarification stated.
The SSP further stated that intelligence inputs were gathered from various sources regarding any possible impersonation by civilians, but “no such inputs or reports” were received. Regular patrolling and surveillance were also conducted in peripheral and vulnerable areas, with no such incidents coming to light.
It was also informed that village councils of Chungtia, Longkhum, and Mangmetong were consulted, and they reported that no cases of impersonation had occurred within their jurisdictions.
To further verify the allegations, the Deputy Commissioner and DEO, along with the SSP, visited all three villages on April 8. During the visit, no complaints regarding impersonation were received from any individual or village authority.
“In view of the above, it is concluded that the allegation of impersonation is baseless and unsubstantiated,” the SSP stated, adding that the claims appeared to have been made without proper verification.
The SSP maintained that security personnel are carrying out their duties to ensure the peaceful and fair conduct of the election.