Dimapur, Apr 8 (PTI) A day before the by-poll in Nagaland’s Koridang (ST) assembly constituency, the National People’s Party on Wednesday lodged a complaint with the EC, alleging that anti-social elements are impersonating as India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel in parts of the region.
In a letter to the EC, NPP national secretary Saidul Khan alleged that those “impersonators” were unauthorisedly controlling villagers’ movement, creating fear among them, and potentially influencing voter participation ahead of the by-election.
Khan claimed that “credible ground inputs” indicate the presence of suspected impersonators in Chungtia, Longkhum and Mangmetong villages of Mokokchung district, in which the constituency falls.
The party asserted that such activities pose a “direct and grave threat” to free and fair elections, raising concerns over voter intimidation, possible booth capture, and disruption of law and order.
Alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct and EC guidelines on deployment of security forces, the NPP urged the poll panel to check with all IRB personnel deployed in the constituency and remove any unverified individuals.
It further demanded the replacement of IRB deployment with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure neutrality.
A copy of the complaint has been forwarded to the Director General of Police, Nagaland, seeking urgent verification of personnel and legal action against any impersonators.
Six candidates are in the fray in the Koridang by-election.
The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has fielded BJP nominee Daochier I Imchen, while the Congress has nominated T Chalukumba Ao. The NPP candidate is I Abenjang, and there are three Independents candidates.
The by-election was necessitated following the death of BJP legislator Imkong L. Imchen, a five-time MLA, on November 11 at the age of 75. The saffron party fielded his son.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. PTI CORR NBS NBS NN NN
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