A clarification issued on April 10 by Mokokchung Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo (NPS) regarding security deployment in Alichen polling stations has resurfaced, rejecting allegations of deliberate suppression of voter turnout.
In a report submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Mokokchung, the SP stated that the deployment of IRB/SAPF personnel during the recent by-election was carried out strictly in accordance with Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.
He said IRB personnel were deployed in polling stations where Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) could not be stationed due to shortage. Accordingly, eight IRB personnel, including women personnel and a police guide, were deployed in each of the four polling stations under Alichen.
An anti-riot team comprising 20 personnel was also deployed in the area to handle any law and order situation, while similar arrangements were made in other polling stations under 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency where CAPF was not available.
The SP noted that anti-riot teams were stationed at Chungtia, Khensa, and Longkhum villages to prevent entry of unauthorized voters and to control possible disturbances.
Highlighting the background, he stated that Alichen has a history of electoral violence. During the 2023 Assembly elections, the area witnessed serious law and order incidents, leading to the arrest of 33 persons and registration of four criminal cases involving offences such as possession of arms and ammunition, crude bombs, threats, intimidation, destruction of property, and assault.
In view of this, all polling stations in Alichen were declared Vulnerable and Critical, the report stated.
Kezo maintained that the deployment plan was examined by the Police Observer and approved before implementation, and that polling was conducted peacefully without any incident or clash.
He also stated that no force was used by IRB personnel and no complaints of voter suppression or obstruction were reported from any polling station.
Responding to allegations raised by the National People’s Party (NPP), the SP termed them “baseless and unjustified,” adding that the demand for re-polling “does not arise.”
He reiterated that the deployment was carried out strictly to ensure free, fair, and peaceful conduct of elections.
Responding to the clarification, the NPP said that the explanation does not fully address the concerns raised. The party stated that while the report attempts to respond to the allegations, it contains gaps and inconsistencies that, in their view, raise further questions and require greater clarity.