DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 18 (MExN): The Nagaland State Unit of the BJP today condemned what it termed was an “assassination attempt” on the life the party’s candidate from 40 A/C Bhandari A/C, Mhonlumo Kikon.
A press note from the media cell of the BJP Nagaland said that Kikon was attacked on February 17 near Yimpang village, Wokha district while on his way back from election campaigning .
“We are shocked at this blatant attack on one of BJP’s most prominent and respected leader and consider this completely unacceptable. This politically motivated attack aimed at silencing one of the most eloquent, dedicated and uncompromising voices speaking in defense of the rights of people of Bhandari Assembly constituency is totally unwarranted,” the BJP stated.
It asked the district authorities to take immediate steps to secure the MLA’s safety and protection, and “prosecute the persons behind the assassination attack whosoever they may represent.”
The BJP alleged that this was a “conspiratorial attack carried out by unwanted elements, at the behest of contending rivals,” and termed it as “part of a disturbing escalation of violence against our party cadres in various parts of the state so far.”
It further urged the State Election Officials to investigate this matter along with other similar stray incidents involving non-adherence of Election Code of Conducts in the State.
“When all the parties including BJP endorse the NBCC’s call for ‘Clean Elections,’ why are the rival parties overtly resorting to bribery, violence, threat and intimidations against our party men,” the BJP questioned.
It claimed that there have been “numerous incidents involving attacks against our party cadres in various parts of the State” and said that this “shows the growing pattern of politically motivated violence.”
The party meanwhile appealed to the people of the Bhandari Assembly Constituency to remain calm and peaceful so that the normal functioning of the election process is not hampered.
The Wokha District unit of the BJP, in a separate statement, also condemned the incident. A press note from the district unit informed that 3 persons were injured and two vehicles damaged.
It appealed to the citizens to refrain from such activities “but march towards a better society…” The unit also appealed to the law enforcing agency to take stern action against the culprits involved in the ambush.
