A clash between rival political supporters in Longkhum village, Mokokchung, ahead of the Koridang (ST) Assembly bye-election left one person dead and several injured, police said. The victim, 38-year-old Imrongsungba Imchen of Artang Ward and a supporter of BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen, sustained head injuries during a confrontation on the night of April 5, was admitted to Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) and later referred for advanced treatment outside town but died en route on April 6.
Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said the first clash occurred at about 11:00 pm on April 5 between supporters of the BJP and an Independent candidate; the two camps in Longkhum are located close to each other. “An incident took place in Longkhum last night around 11:00 pm between two political groups, the BJP and Independent,” Kezo said. Security forces, including the Indian Reserve Police Force (IRPF), were already deployed in the area to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Police found no immediate injuries when they first reached the scene at night, Kezo said, but learned the next morning that three people had been admitted to IMDH with lacerated wounds; all three were reported conscious and stable when visited by police. Tensions flared again at about 5:00 am on April 6, prompting IRPF to rush back and disperse those involved.
During operations after the morning clash, authorities arrested 16 people — 11 from the Independent camp and five from the BJP, including one woman. Some suspects were found hiding in houses or in the surrounding jungle; cases have been registered, Kezo said. He added that initial reports linked the Independent group to Major Toshikaba and that there was no complaint implicating the National People’s Party (NPP).
Authorities described the situation in Longkhum as tense but under control and said additional IRPF and Anti-Riot Crowd Control teams had been deployed, with more forces expected. Following the incidents, the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer issued two separate orders withdrawing permission for temporary election offices in Longkhum, citing breach of law and order and non-compliance with original conditions; both cancellations were issued under a letter dated April 2, 2026.
A separate episode of pre-poll violence was reported in Mangmetong village on the morning of April 6. Police said announcements had been made calling youths to gather amid reports of “outsiders,” and the situation escalated into vandalism and assaults. An FIR named 67 people, including members of the Mangmetong Village Council.
The Mangmetong complaint alleged damage to at least 12 vehicles belonging to supporters of an Independent candidate, damage to two to three houses, and two persons assaulted. During searches, police recovered two 12-bore firearms and ammunition from a house and reportedly found two cartridges and two crude bombs on the road. One person, described as a BJP supporter who was injured while fleeing, has been arrested so far.
Polling for the Koridang bye-election is scheduled for April 9, 2026, with counting of votes set for May 4, 2026.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/one-dead-17-arrested-in-koridang-pre-poll-violence
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2026-04-06 23:13:00
