Enhanced Security Measures for Nagaland's Koridang Assembly Bypoll
Security Measures in Place for Upcoming Bypoll
A file image of a voter casting their vote in an election (AT Photo)
Kohima, Apr 8: In response to recent election-related violence that resulted in one fatality, security has been significantly heightened for the upcoming bypoll in the Koridang Assembly seat located in Mokokchung district, Nagaland. A night curfew is currently enforced in four villages to maintain order.
For the bypoll scheduled on April 9, a total of 30 polling stations have been established, with 13 categorized as vulnerable and 17 deemed critical. Notably, two of these stations will be staffed entirely by women, as confirmed by the returning officer for the bypoll, Nockpai Konyak.
Authorities are conducting continuous surveillance throughout the constituency, particularly following the disturbances reported on April 5 and 6, Konyak stated.
As a precautionary measure, the night curfew remains active in the villages of Chungtia, Alichen, Longkhum, and Mangmetong. Fortunately, no new incidents of violence have been reported in these areas.
Six candidates are contesting in this assembly bypoll, which was necessitated by the passing of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen on November 11. The BJP, part of the ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), has nominated the late MLA's son, Daochier I. Imchen, while the Congress has put forward T. Chalukumba Ao.
The National People's Party (NPP) candidate is I. Abenjang, and the independent candidates include Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, and Toshikaba.
The assembly constituency has a total of 22,382 registered voters, comprising 11,311 men and 11,071 women, as noted by Konyak.
Vote counting is set to take place on May 4.