A separate incident of violence was reported from Mangmetong village on the morning of April 6. The police registered a case for destruction of property, criminal intimidation and house trespass based on a complaint filed by Independent candidate Imchatoba Imchen.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mokokchung, Vesupra Kezo, speaking to media persons, stated that police received information between 7:00 am and 8:00 am that an announcement had been made within the village calling youths of a certain age group to gather at a location. The announcement also reportedly stated that “outsiders” were present in the village and called upon people to drive them away.
Upon receiving the information, police personnel who were already deployed in the area proceeded to the location. However, by the time they reached, the destruction had already taken place.
As per the FIR lodged by the complainant, at least 12 vehicles belonging to supporters of the Independent candidate were damaged. Two to three houses were also vandalised. The complaint further stated that two individuals were assaulted, though the SSP said police are yet to ascertain whether the assault had taken place.
Kezo informed that a case has been registered against those involved. “As per the FIR, 67 persons have been named, including members of the Mangmetong Village Council,” he said.
He added that when police reached the area, those involved had fled, with many running into the jungle. Search operations were subsequently conducted in suspected houses.
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During the search, police recovered two 12-bore firearms from a house, which has been sealed in the presence of a magistrate. Two cartridges were also recovered, along with two crude bombs found on the road outside, not inside the house. The search operation was carried out in the presence of village council members.
The SSP also stated that police had earlier registered cases based on a complaint by Imchatoba Imchen regarding threat, intimidation and related offences.
Police have deployed one company and one platoon in the area, and efforts are ongoing to trace those named in the FIR. “We will take statements of all those named and arrest those responsible for vandalising vehicles and houses,” Kezo said.
He further informed that Imchatoba Imchen has reached the village safely on the evening of April 6.
Following the incident, the Deputy Commissioner has imposed night curfew, which police said will be enforced strictly to prevent further escalation. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
