Kohima, April 9: In the Koridang constituency of Nagaland’s Mokokchung district, around 60% of eligible voters had cast their ballots by 1 PM, according to officials.
The by-election follows violent incidents on April 5 and 6, which resulted in one death and several injuries, along with damage to vehicles. In response, a significant number of state and central security forces have been deployed throughout the constituency to ensure safety. A night curfew has been imposed in four villages of the assembly area due to the unrest.
An election official reported that voting, which began at 7 AM across all 30 polling stations, has proceeded peacefully so far. Voting will continue uninterrupted until 4 PM, with counting scheduled for May 4.
A total of 22,390 eligible voters, including 11,013 women, will determine the electoral fate of six candidates in this by-election.
Ajit Kumar Verma, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, has ordered the complete sealing of the interstate border between Mokokchung district and Assam from April 7 until 6 PM on April 9.
These measures aim to prevent unauthorized movement, deter attempts at bribery, and curb any intimidating or disruptive activities during the election.
The by-election became necessary following the death of the sitting MLA, Imkong L. Imchen, who passed away at the age of 75 on November 11, 2024, after a brief illness in a private hospital in Guwahati.
The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance’s BJP has declared the late MLA’s son, Daochier I. Imchen, as the consensus candidate for the alliance. Other prominent candidates include I. Abenzang from the National People’s Party and T. Chalukumba Ao from Congress.
Three independent candidates—Imchatoba Imchen, Imtivapang Kichu, and retired Major Toshikaba—are also in the race, intensifying the competition.
Congress candidate T. Chalukumba Ao has previously contested this seat three times (in 2013, 2018, and 2023) but has faced defeat each time. Retired Major Toshikaba narrowly lost in the 2023 elections as a candidate for the Naga People’s Front.
The late Imchen had a remarkable political career, being elected five times to the Nagaland Assembly. He first won as an independent candidate in 2003, followed by victories on NPF tickets in 2008, 2013, and 2018, and finally as a BJP candidate in 2023.
The Koridang constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes. According to a police officer, at least one person died during election-related violence, and several others were injured, with multiple vehicles damaged and 16 individuals detained.
After weapons and ammunition were recovered from various locations, authorities imposed a night curfew in certain villages within the constituency. Chief Electoral Officer Bhagyashree Banayat stated that all necessary measures have been taken to conduct the by-election in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
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