MOKOKCHUNG, JUNE 27 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today said that the residence of Bendangchuba, the Indian National Congress (INC) candidate from Alongmen Ward in Mokokchung, was attacked on polling day by supporters of Imlikumzuk, the opposing candidate from the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
The NPCC expressed shock and pain over the incident. "It is a collective shame and tragedy that such acts of utter barbarism are allowed to play out publicly, in wanton disregard to all laid down electoral, penal, and moral codes of conduct," stated the NPCC in their press release. “This is a stark reminder of the depths to which the party and government of the day can stoop for power.”
The NPCC condemned the vandalism and physical assault committed against Bendangchuba's supporters and family members. "We urge the law enforcement agencies and the State Election Commission to take the strictest action against the hooligans responsible for this dastardly act," the statement continued.
Meanwhile, the District Congress Committee (DCC) of Mokokchung also lodged a formal complaint with the Returning Officer-cum-Addl. Deputy Commissioner of Urban Local Body (ULB) Elections. "A mob of supporters of the NDPP candidate on the day of the poll marched towards the residence of the INC candidate and violently broke through the gate, creating havoc and threatening the lives of the candidate's family members as well as party workers," stated the complaint.
The complaint detailed the extent of the violence, noting that many of Bendangchuba's supporters were harassed and assaulted, sustaining severe injuries. "Such inhuman and gruesome acts of violence not only violate several electoral and penal laws but also destroy the very fabric of our society at its root," the DCC emphasized.
The DCC called for immediate action, urging authorities to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to justice. "The party truly condemns such undignified and harmful acts committed by the supporters of a candidate from a ruling government in the pursuit of getting votes," the complaint read. “We request your kind authority to investigate the matter at the earliest and book the culprits under relevant provisions of the law.”
The NPCC and DCC have also highlighted the need for better security measures, especially in areas previously identified as sensitive by district authorities.
