Dimapur, February 26 (MExN): In another case of pre-poll violence, Congress and NPF supporters from 29 Jangpetkong A/C clashed at 8:30 am in Mangkonglemba town and at 2:00 PM at Khar village in two separate incidents. The clashes today left 14 injured from both sides while one of the injured who was shot in the heart is said to be in critical condition. The injured are presently being treated at Civil Hospital, Mokokchung. Victims of the clash reported that they were shot at with assault rifles and there was also stone-pelting amongst the supporters of the two parties.
Meanwhile, CLP Leader, I. Imkong has called for the intervention of the Chief Electoral Officer in the two incidents of violence that took place today in his constituency. In a letter to the CEO, Imkong stated that supporters of NPF candidate from 29th Jangpetkong A/C, Dr. I. Longri had attacked INC supporters at Mangkolemba Town using sophisticated weapons like AK-47s, Sten-Carbines and hand grenades. Imkong also stated that these weapons are reportedly being used from the police Armoury supplied by the DGP Nagaland and pointed out to an earlier complaint they had made to the Chief Electoral Officer, naming some persons who were given special investigation duty without specifying the job.
“It is reported that DGP had attached to himself 20 personnel of the Police department and these people are being detailed to shoot at INC supporters” stated the CLP leader and Congress candidate of 29 Jangpetkong. He informed that a number of people were injured and hospitalized and the clash came to an end only after the Police intervened.
The CLP Leader also noted down the second clash which took place at about 2 p.m. at Khar village, between NPF supporters and his own supporters. During this clash, Imkong alleged that the NPF supporters used sophisticated weapons and injured a number of INC supporters and informed the CEO that two of his supporters have been critical1y injured by AK-47 bullets and many more injured by gunshots.
Imkong requests the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland to send in more central forces and evict those policemen sent by the DGP in ‘civilian clothing’ and apprehend the weapons reportedly from the Police Armoury.
Meanwhile in a separate press release issued by press secretary to CLP Leader, I. Imkong, it was informed that the INC candidate from 29-Jangpetkong A/C touched down on Mangkolemba Town this afternoon in the aftermath of the violence started by supporters of NPF candidate Dr. I. Longri. Briefing officials’ present there, Imkong asked ADC Mangkolemba, Y.Y. Sangtam, SDPO Mangkolemba, L. Kath and Company Commander 10 NAP (IR), Sunget Longkumer to do their best to maintain peace and tranquility in the area so that peaceful, free and fair polls could be held. The release stated that Imkong expressed concern over the movement of anti-social elements armed with sophisticated weapons who were attacking INC supporters and condemned it in strongest terms. In this regard, Imkong asked the law enforcing officials to apprehend such kind of disruptive elements in the interest of peace in the area.
The release alleged that NPF supporters ambushed INC supporters this morning at around 8:30 am with hand grenades and opened fire indiscriminately, injuring a number of INC supporters. The release added that later at about 2 PM, violence broke out at Khar village where NPF supporters armed with sophisticated weapons attacked INC supporters. Two INC supporters are stated to be in critical condition after sustaining multiple bullet injuries.
