A 38-year-old villager from Longkhum, identified as Imrongsungba Imchen, is reported to have died following injuries sustained during pre-poll violence in the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency by-election.

Imchen, a resident of Artang Ward, Mokokchung, and a supporter of BJP candidate, Daochier I Imchen, was among those injured in a clash between supporters of the BJP and Independent candidate Major (Retd) Toshikaba in Longkhum village on the night of April 5.

Speaking to media persons, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mokokchung, Vesupra Kezo, stated that the incident occurred at around 11 p.m. on April 5 when supporters of the two political groups clashed near their respective camps, which are located in close proximity. He said stones were hurled.

Kezo informed that personnel of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), deployed in the area to enforce the Model Code of Conduct and maintain law and order, rushed to the spot upon receiving information. However, by the time they reached, the individuals involved had fled under the cover of darkness. The area was subsequently sanitized and patrolled.

“No injuries were reported at that point of time,” the SSP said, adding that it was only later on April 6 morning that the police came to know that three individuals had been injured in the clash. The injured persons were shifted to Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), where they were treated for lacerated wounds on their bodies and heads.

Police personnel visited the hospital the following morning after receiving information and found the injured conscious and stable. Medical treatment reports were also verified and the individuals were interrogated regarding the incident.

The SSP further informed that another clash between the two groups was reported at around 5 a.m. on April 6 at the same location. IRB personnel, who were on round-the-clock duty, responded and intervened to disperse the groups.

“In the process, 16 individuals were arrested. Some were apprehended from their residences, while others were found hiding in nearby jungle areas,” Kezo said. Of those arrested, 11 are reported to be supporters of the Independent candidate and five are from the BJP.

A case has been registered at the police station in connection with the incident under provisions related to causing injury. The SSP stated that, following the death of Imchen, the same FIR can be converted to include charges under murder.

According to Kezo, information regarding Imchen’s death was received in the evening of April 6. He had sustained injuries during the initial clash on the night of April 5 at 11 p.m. and later succumbed.

“We will be conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain how he was killed,” he said.

On queries, the SSP clarified that, as per reports received from personnel on the ground, the Independent group involved in the clash were supporters of Major (Retd.) Toshikaba. He also stated that there has been no complaint or report indicating involvement of the NPP in the incident.

Describing the situation in Longkhum as “tense but under control,” Kezo informed that additional IRB personnel and anti-riot crowd control teams have been deployed in the area to prevent further escalation.

In view of the prevailing situation, the Deputy Commissioner has imposed curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in Longkhum village.

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The SSP further stated that police had anticipated the area to be sensitive and vulnerable. One company of IRB had been deployed in Longkhum two weeks prior to the incident. He added that both the district administration and police had earlier visited the village and appealed to the village council and elders to maintain peace.

Kezo also noted that, based on preliminary inputs, no outsiders are believed to be involved in the incident. Initial medical reports had indicated the injuries to be “simple,” though he stated that further examination would be conducted as per procedure. “All procedures will be followed,” he added. The police have stated that further investigation is underway.

Patton, BJP Nagaland condemn pre-poll violence

Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton has strongly condemned the tragic loss of life following the incident of pre-poll violence in Longkhum . He expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Imrongsungba Imchen, who succumbed to his injuries while being referred for medical treatment.

The Deputy Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones of the deceased, and prayed for strength and comfort for them in this difficult time. He also extended his sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of all those who were injured in the incident.

Stating that violence has no place in a democratic process, Patton said that elections must remain a platform for the expression of the people’s will, and not become a source of fear, anger, or division. He added that such incidents weaken public trust and disturb the sense of unity among communities.

The Deputy Chief Minister urged all citizens of the Koridang constituency, across political affiliations, to remain calm and exercise restraint. He appealed to the public to work together to ensure that the upcoming by-election is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has expressed profound shock and unequivocally condemned the brutal and senseless act of violence that took place at Lungkhum Village, which tragically resulted in the death of one of its supporters, Imrongsunba Imchen.

Stating that violence in any form has absolutely no place in a civilized and democratic society, the BJP said it has always stood firmly for peace, rule of law, and democratic principles, and continues to believe that all differences must be resolved through dialogue and lawful means.

“It is deeply unfortunate that while political leaders and candidates publicly advocate non-violence and peaceful campaigning, the ground reality has exposed a grim contradiction. This heinous incident has not only tarnished the image of the Koridang constituency but has also brought immense disrepute to Mokokchung district as a whole,” it stated

The party appealed to the concerned authorities to act with urgency, thoroughly investigate the incident, apprehend all those involved, and ensure that the perpetrators are awarded the strictest punishment as per the law of the land.

The BJP further reiterated its unwavering commitment to peaceful, free, and fair elections, and urged all citizens, party workers, and stakeholders in the Koridang constituency to reject violence in all its forms and uphold the values of democracy, unity, and harmony.

The party also extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and expressed solidarity with them in this hour of grief.