• 75 percent voter turnout reported till 6:30pm
• Seven arrested in Mokokchung for poll related violence in Kubza
• Political parties demand re-poll in 17 polling stations in Phek & Kohima
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 28
Bye-Election to the lone Lok Sabha seat from Nagaland State was conducted today, with only sporadic incidences of violence reported. Nagaland Commissioner & Returning Officer, M Patton informed that as of 6:30pm, the registered voter turnout was 75 percent.
The RO added that while the poll process was by and large peaceful, there were reports of violence from Mokokchung where a group of people overpowered Polling Station No 13 Kubza under 26 A/C Aonglenden of Mokokchung district and damaged EVM machines (Ballot unit & Control unit). However, the VVPAT was reported to be intact.
In this connection, seven persons were arrested by Mokokchung police and they are under police custody. All precautionary measures to avoid further escalation have been taken care of, the RO informed.
Patton informed that that situation is under control and detailed report from DC & ARO Mokokchung is awaited. Citing the Mokokchung DC, it was informed that at the time of incident, 85% votes were cast and no votes were polled further.
The Mokokchung DC has recommended this matter for re-poll, reporting the matter under Sub Section (1) of Section 58 of the Representation of People’s Act 1951.
In Ladigarh, which has regularly been a spot for poll trouble involving Assam Police personnel, the RO informed that the ECI had allowed establishment of a polling station in a make shift camp just adjacent to the original location. Polling this time was conducted peacefully, registering a projected turnout of about 80%, the RO said.
The RO informed that at around 9:00am, Assam Police personnel had come to the location but did not enter the polling arena, just short of about 100 metres and went back.
Political parties demand re-poll
Regarding election related complaints received from political parties from May 25 till 5:00pm of May 28, the RO informed that a complaint was received from DC Mokokchung against NPF and the publisher of a vernacular for publishing of an article allegedly seeking votes for the NPF on religious lines without the approval of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. He said the matter was forwarded to Commissioner of Police, Dimapur for necessary action.
Another complaint was received from the BJP against NPF Mokokchung unit for publishing of an article on the same lines. The matter has been forwarded to the SP Mokokchung with a copy to Commissioner of Police, Dimapur.
A complaint was also received from S Akho Leyri, Election Agent NPF against what he termed was the “undemocratic decision” by Meluri, Khumiasu and Lephori villages under 20 Meluri A/C of Phek district. Leyri in a complaint letter stated that the supporters of NDPP candidate from those villages had decided not to allow any NPF supporter to exercise their franchise on May 28.
The Election Agent demanded that “if the NPF supporters in these polling stations/villages (Meluri Christian Khel A, Meluri Christian Khel B, Meluri Non Christian Khel, Richoupe, Meluri Town A Wing , Meluri Town B Wing, Meluri Town C Wing, Meluri Town D Wing, Khumiasu and Lephori) are not allowed to exercise their rightful franchise, re-poll should be declared immediately.”
In another complaint, Eduzu Theluo, State General Secretary, BJP has demanded re-poll in 6 villages (Mollen, Hutsu, Yesi, Kuzatu, Shatuza and Yesisotha) under 20 Meluri A/C, stating that genuine voters who are supporting the PDA candidate were not allowed to exercise their voting right. He therefore demanded re-poll in those villages.
Both these cases, the RO informed have been forwarded to the DC Phek with information to the ADC Meluri.
Further the NPF Election Agent has also demanded re-poll in Polling station No. 38, Lerie Colony Kohima, stating that “NPF supporters were not allowed to cast their vote without voter’s slip inspite of producing other relevant documents approved by ECI.” The RO informed that this case has been forwarded to the DC & ARO, Kohima.
While stating that the decision to conduct re-polls could not be made immediately, the RO informed that the complaints would be forwarded the ECI through the CEO Nagaland. “It will only be decided by ECI on receiving the detailed reports,” he added, stating that any decision would be made only after scrutiny.
Scrutiny of the records of the polling parties will be held in the respective election district HQs on May 29 at 11: 00am.
Meanwhile, counting of postal ballot for service voters will take place at the Commissioner’s office. Observers have arrived for this and necessary arrangements have been taken in this regard, the RO informed. Counting of votes is scheduled to be held on May 31 in all the election district headquarters across the state.
