NBCC calls for end to election-related violence and democratic accountability
Tension marked the by-election to Ward No 8 (Tsumang ‘B’) of the Wokha Town Council on Tuesday after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that its candidate, Mhomo Humtsoe, was assaulted by supporters of a rival political party before polling commenced.
According to reports, Humtsoe and two BJP observers were allegedly attacked in the early hours of polling day, leaving the candidate with a head injury. The BJP accused supporters of the opposing party of intimidation and violence during the electoral process.
Despite the alleged incident, polling continued and remained largely peaceful until around 1 pm, when a clash involving stone pelting disrupted the process.
Following the disturbance, District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, K Mhathung Tsanglao, imposed restrictions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons in the affected area to prevent further escalation and maintain law and order.
Security personnel were deployed to control the situation, while additional Indian Reserve Police personnel were sent to the area. Sources said two police personnel sustained injuries and three others received minor bruises during the incident. One individual was reportedly apprehended.
Reacting to the alleged assault, State Minister and senior BJP leader Jacob Zhimomi condemned the incident, stating that what should have been a democratic exercise had taken an unfortunate turn.
“I firmly denounce the assault on BJP Nagaland candidate Shri Mhomo Humtsoe this morning. What was supposed to be a festival of democracy has turned out to be a rather disappointing turn of events,” Zhimomi said.
Describing the alleged assault as unacceptable, he said acts that undermine democratic processes have no place in society.
BJP Legislature Party leader Yanthungo Patton also condemned the reported incident, stating that violence, threats and intimidation have no place in a democracy.
“Every candidate, party worker and voter deserves to participate in the electoral process without fear or harassment,” Patton said, while calling for accountability wherever wrongdoing is established.
There was no immediate response from the Naga People’s Front (NPF) at the time of filing this report.
The by-election to Ward No. 8 recorded a voter turnout of 69.37 per cent. The contest was between BJP candidate Mhomo Humtsoe and NPF candidate Ar Aling Lotha.
The vacancy arose following the death of Wokha Town Council Chairperson Khozamo Murry in December 2025.
Meanwhile, the Social Concern department of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) issued a separate statement condemning election-related violence and calling for peaceful democratic participation.
In the statement, Secretary Dr Villo Naleo described election violence as “deeply disturbing and profoundly regrettable,” stating that such acts undermine democratic values and public trust.
“Elections are not battlegrounds for hostility and aggression; they are sacred democratic exercises,” the statement said.
The NBCC urged political parties, civil society organisations and community leaders to reject violence and uphold democratic conduct, while reminding elected representatives that leadership carries accountability beyond elections.
Polling for municipal ward by-elections was also conducted in Chümoukedima and Atoizu on Tuesday, where officials reported peaceful voting with no untoward incidents.
