Mokokchung, January 15 (MExN): With the State Assembly Election 2013 scheduled to be held on February 23, the wind of politicking has already arrived in Mokokchung district with almost every family talking about who and who will contest in the forthcoming election and from which party. The discussion is mostly about the intending candidates and of poll related violence in some constituencies and villages.
Like the previous elections, the local papers, especially the vernacular papers are filled up with advertisements from political parties, groups and individuals etc declaring their support to a particular candidate or party. Moreover, advertisements by Village Councils or Village Citizens’ Conference professing their support to a consensus ‘Senso candidate’ in the papers is common; and interestingly, there has been more than one occasion when some declaration of support to a particular candidate is refuted the next day.
Anyhow, there have already been reports of poll-related violence in some villages like in Mongsenyimti village (24th Angetyongpang A/C), Chungtia village (under 27 Koridang A/C), Khar village (29th Jangpetkong A/C) and the latest being in Longmisa village (24th Angetyongpang A/C). It is reported that there was ‘situation’ in Longmisa village on the night of January 13, 2013. A police officer in Mokokchung, while refusing to divulge details, said that the situation is under control. Interestingly, all these poll-related violence reported so far are between supporters of different parties or candidates within the village only.
Elections in Mokokchung, like in some parts of Nagaland, are often marked by violence. There had been incidents of deaths and grievous injuries to supporters in the past too. What most ordinary citizens question is ‘what will it be like this election?’ and most are of the opinion that with hardly a month to go before the assembly elections, the candidates may pool in all the money and muscle power as a last minute ditch, which might turn the situation volatile. But, with the tickets yet to be distributed by the major political parties, there is only subtle politicking, except in some villages.
Nonetheless, what most wonder is also the effectiveness of the ‘Clean Election Campaign’ initiated by the NBCC and also actively endorsed and pursued by the Ao Baptist Church Conference (ABAM). The ABAM has distributed the booklet and the individual pledge for conducting clean and fair elections. Many are cynical about the campaign and are of the opinion that there will be no visible effect because of the campaign this election.
Canvassing is slowly gaining momentum and the next few weeks till the date of election will witness more poll-related news. There are speculations that in some villages or constituencies, the situation will turn volatile. But, it is hoped that with the arrival of the central paramilitary forces and also more state police forces into the district, the situation will be brought under control. Time will tell.
