Incidents of voter intimidation, molestation, arson and stone pelting reported
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): The law and order situation in Wokha seems to be deteriorating in Wokha district with several reports of criminal activities, including arson, molestation, threats and intimidation doing the rounds in the run up to the Nagaland elections.
A press release from the PRO & Additional SP, Wokha said that several inputs have been received regarding incidents of threats and intimidation of voters in the villages of Chukitong Circle in the 37th Tyui A/C.
“One complaint of assault and molestation of a woman was received on the 4th Feb 2023 naming two persons,” it informed. In this regard, an FIR was lodged at Wokha Police Station and both the accused were arrested after Intel based searches, as the accused had gone into hiding after the incident. During investigation, 3 more persons were also named and one of them was arrested on February 10. Investigation is on to arrest the other two absconding accused, the Wokha Police said, adding that two vehicles involved in the incident have been seized.
Further, report of burning of a structure (farm house) near Seluku Village was reported in the early hours of February 10. The Wokha Police detained two suspects in the case who were later bound down under Section 107 of CrPC as the complainant in the case could not positively identify the perpetrators of the incident.
On February 10, Home Minister Y Patton had condemned the “razing” of his PA’s “residence at Chukitong by unknown miscreants.” He stated that “the safety of our citizens is of utmost importance to us” and urged the Wokha Police to conduct a thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, stone pelting by certain miscreants in Koio Village area upon security personnel deployed for regular patrolling was also reported. Police said that some security personnel sustained injuries during the incident. A criminal case has been registered in this regard.
The Wokha Police informed that “in order to carry out free and fair election in a peaceful atmosphere, adequate deployment of the police personnel and foot patrolling is being carried out.” “The cooperation of the general is essential to ensure that peaceful atmosphere in the area is maintained and all the voters are able to exercise their electoral right without fear from threat and intimidation,” it added.
The police appealed to all citizens to ensure that peaceful atmosphere is maintained and not to involve in electoral offences like arson, looting and other illegal malpractices. Strict action under law will be initiated against all involved in offences, it cautioned.
