A man walks by the vehicles damaged during the pre-poll violence reported in Mangmetong village on the morning of April 6. (Photo Courtesy: Social Media)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | April 6
Ahead of the bye-election to the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency, separate incidents of pre-poll violence were reported in Longkhum and Mangmetong villages under Mokokchung district.
The clash in Longkhum village turned fatal with a 38-year-old man succumbing to injuries sustained during a clash between rival political supporters on the night of April 5. The deceased identified as Imrongsungba Imchen, was a resident of Artang Ward, Mokokchung and supporter of the BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen. Imchen was initially admitted to the Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), Mokokchung with head injuries. He was later referred to a facility outside the town for advanced treatment, however, succumbed to his injuries en route on April 6.
Confirming the incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mokokchung, Vesupra Kezo, said the violence broke out at around 11:00 pm between supporters of the BJP and an Independent candidate’s camp in Longkhum, where the rival camps were located in close proximity.
“An incident took place in Longkhum last night around 11:00 pm between two political groups, the BJP and Independent. The political camps are situated not very far from each other in Longkhum village,” Kezo stated.
He said that security forces, including the Indian Reserve Police Force (IRPF), had already been deployed in the area to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and prevent unlawful activities. Upon receiving information, IRPF personnel rushed to the spot, but those involved had fled.
“On reaching the spot, everybody ran away under the cover of darkness. They sanitized the area and continued patrolling. At that point of time, there was no report of injuries,” he said.
However, the police later learned that three individuals had been injured in the clash and were admitted to IMDH with lacerated wounds.
“We came to know only in the morning that three individuals were injured. That was not reported to the police immediately,” the SSP said, adding that all three were conscious and stable when police visited the hospital.
Tensions escalated further the following morning, with another clash reported at around 5:00 am at the same location.
“At 5:00 am this morning, there was a report of a clash between the two parties again in the same spot. The IRPF rushed to the spot and saw them clashing. They acted immediately to diffuse the situation,” Kezo said.
During the operation, 16 individuals were arrested, 11 from the Independent camp and five from the BJP, including one woman.
“Some were arrested after searching houses, some were hiding in the jungle. All were brought to the police station and a case has been registered,” he added.
The SSP confirmed that the fatality was reported later in the evening. “Today evening we got information that one of the injured, Imrongsungba Imchen, 38 years old, who suffered injuries during the 11:00 pm clash, succumbed to his injuries,” he said.
On the political affiliations, Kezo stated that as per initial reports, the Independent group involved was associated with Major Toshikaba. He also ruled out any involvement of the National People’s Party (NPP). “We have not received any complaint that NPP had created any law and order situation or clashed with any party there,” he said.
Describing the situation as tense, the SSP informed that additional forces have been deployed. “The situation in Longkhum is tense, no doubt, but it is under control. Additional IRPF and Anti-Riot Crowd Control teams have been sent to ensure no further escalation,” he said, adding that more forces are expected to be deployed.
Following the incidents, the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Mokokchung in two separate orders has withdrawn permission for two temporary election offices in Longkhum village, citing breach of law and order and non-compliance with terms and conditions of the original permission. Both cancellations were made under the letter dated April 2, 2026.
Clash in Mangmetong: 67 named in FIR; 12 vehicles damaged; guns, bombs seized
Meanwhile, the police also reported a separate incident of violence in Mangmetong village on the morning of April 6.
According to Kezo, police received information around 7:00–8:00 am that an announcement had been made in the village, calling upon youths to gather amid reports of “outsiders” being present.
The situation escalated into vandalism and violence, with an FIR reporting damage to at least 12 vehicles belonging to supporters of an Independent candidate, along with damage to two to three houses. Two persons were also reportedly assaulted.
“As per the FIR, 67 people have been named, including members of the Mangmetong Village Council. When police reached, the youths had fled, many escaping into the jungle,” the SSP said.
During search operations, police recovered two 12-bore firearms from a house, along with ammunition. “We also recovered two cartridges and two crude bombs found on the road,” he added.
One individual has been arrested so far in connection with the Mangmetong incident. “He is a BJP supporter and was injured while trying to run away,” Kezo said.
A case has been registered for destruction of property, criminal intimidation, and house trespass, based on a complaint filed by Independent candidate Imchatoba Imchen.
Polling is set for April 9, 2026, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4.
