Candidates write to Police Commissioner for security
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 13 (MExN): In the backdrop of a purported blast at Ward 22, intending candidates for the Dimapur Municipal Council from the BJP has sought police security for one of its fellow candidates. The incident reportedly occurred around 9:25 pm on January 12 at the Veterinary colony (Burma Camp) residence of BJP candidate from Ward 22, Hokuto Zhimomi.
In a letter to the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, the candidates stated that “unidentified miscreants lobbed explosives” inside Zhimomi’s residential compound. The letter appended by BJP candidates of Wards 19, 17, 23, 10, 16, 20, 21, 1 and 7 stated that the incident has given rise to fear and panic within Zhimomi’s family and also reflects a “clear threat” to his life.
While stating “such incidents would only create a feeling of terror not only among the other BJP candidates and party workers but also the common public,” the letter expressed apprehension that it would adversely impact the election environment.
As per the letter, the blast took place not far from where a number of people were gathered in the compound. Stating that the candidate was not home at the time, the letter added that the alleged blast damaged “the concrete floored compound” and “splinters” hitting “some youth present in the vicinity but no injuries were caused.”
Appealing the police to provide security to Zhimomi till the entire electioneering process is completed, the letter stated, “While we the BJP candidates vehemently condemn the incident, we also appeal the Police to immediately book the culprits involved in the incident and also unearth the masterminds of the blast and book them as per the law of the land.”
The police when contacted stated that a complaint of an alleged explosion at the residence of a DMC election candidate was received at around 10:20 pm on January 12. Following the receipt of the complaint police visited the alleged blast site to investigate. Stating that debris in the form of bits of paper and plastic were found at the purported site of impact, the police added that investigation was on to verify whether it was caused by a fire-cracker or a bomb.
Demands to book perpetrator(s)
The BJP Nagaland has condemned the act of throwing a "crude powerful homemade bomb" into the residential premise of Hokuto Zhimomi, a BJP candidate (Ward 22) for Dimapur Municipal Council elections, at Veterinary colony in Burma Camp on January 12.
The party in a press release issued by its General Secretary (Media) & Spokesperson has requested that the culprits are booked at the earliest for the safety and security of the candidates, voters and the general public. It also requested the State Election Commission to ensure enhanced security for the BJP candidates in the ensuing polls to prevent any such re-occurrences anywhere in the state for a free and fair poll.
Hokuto Zhimomi has also refuted the ongoing rumours of his withdrawal from BJP candidature, according to the press release. He has clarified that when the NPF issued two party tickets to him and the other NPF candidate in Ward 22, he had withdrawn from the NPF party candidature from Ward 22 and not as rumoured.
Meanwhile, the BJP candidates have been requested to coordinate with the State and District party office and presidents as well as the Election Commission offices at the respective districts and conform to the electoral rules and regulations while ensuring to avoid any rumour and misinformation.
In a separate press note, the residents of Veterinary colony also condemned the blast. They have requested the district administration to look into the matter at the earliest and take necessary action by booking the culprits. The release from D Yongnyak Konyak, Chairman and S Tokiho Swu, General Secretary of Veterinary colony further stated that the citizens of the colony in a meeting held on January 13 also resolved to take drastic action towards anyone who directly or indirectly tries to sabotage the peaceful atmosphere of the colony. They also decided to conduct clear and fair election by implementing one person one vote. Any proxy voter will be dealt with stern actions, the release stated. The council and the citizens also appealed to the administration to provide security for the colony.
The NPF candidate of DMC Ward 22, Pukhavi Yepthomi has also condemned the incident. According to a press release, Yepthomi has urged the investigating agency to seriously investigate the matter and book the culprit(s) at the earliest as per the law of the land so that no miscreants can create a situation between the two parties.
