Kohima: More than three years after Wokha emerged as a flashpoint for election-related violence during the 2023 Nagaland Assembly elections, the district is once again at the centre of controversy following violence during a municipal by-election on Tuesday.
The by-election to Ward No. 8 (Tsumang ‘B’) under the Wokha Town Council was marred by reports of intimidation, assault and clashes between supporters of contesting political parties.
This prompted the district administration to impose prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to prevent any further deterioration of law and order.
The incident has reignited concerns over the persistence of electoral violence in a district that has repeatedly witnessed politically charged confrontations.
Assault allegations:
According to the BJP, its candidate Mhomo Humtsoe was assaulted by members of a rival political camp during the early hours of polling day. Humtsoe reportedly sustained a head injury, and photographs showing the injured candidate circulated widely on social media throughout the day.
The incident triggered immediate political reactions, with BJP Nagaland president Benjamin Yepthomi accusing supporters of the alliance partner, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), of orchestrating the attack.
“In the early hours of the by-election to Ward 8, Tsumang B, it was deeply disheartening to witness our BJP candidate, Mr Mhomo Humtsoe, being subjected to humiliation and intimidation in an apparent attempt to create chaos and panic during the electoral process,” Yeptho said.
Calling the alleged assault an attack on democratic values, the BJP leader urged party workers to remain calm and not retaliate despite what he described as attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
The NPF had not issued an official response at the time of filing this report.
Section 163 BNSS
Amid growing tension, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Wokha, K Mhathung Tsanglao, issued an order under Section 163 of the BNSS after receiving what the administration described as credible information regarding a possible breach of peace in Ward No. 8 during the ongoing election.
The order cited apprehensions that rival groups and their supporters could engage in activities that could cause injury, public disorder, rioting, affray, or damage to property.
Under the prohibitory order, authorities banned the assembly of five or more persons for unlawful purposes; carrying arms, sticks, daos, machetes, explosives and other potential weapons; intimidation or coercion of voters, polling personnel, candidates and election officials; activities or speeches capable of provoking violence or communal tensions; and obstruction of the movement of election officials, security personnel and voters.
The restrictions took immediate effect and will remain in force until the completion of the election process or until further orders.
The administration also warned that violations would invite prosecution under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
BJP seeks action
In a statement, BJP Nagaland strongly condemned the alleged assault on its candidate and welcomed the swift intervention of district authorities and police personnel.
The party expressed appreciation for the arrest of the accused individuals and urged law enforcement agencies to pursue stringent legal action against those responsible.
“Elections must remain free, fair and peaceful, guided by democratic values rather than fear or intimidation,” the party stated.
The BJP also appealed to political parties, supporters and citizens to maintain restraint and uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
NBCC condemns violence
The incident also drew a strong response from the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), the apex body of the Baptist church in Nagaland, which described the violence as “reprehensible and utterly unacceptable.”
In a statement, the NBCC said election-related violence undermines the rule of law, violates human dignity and weakens democratic institutions. It added that the growing tendency to condone violence in pursuit of political objectives threatens the social fabric of communities and erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
The church body stressed that no political ambition, partisan loyalty or electoral gain could justify violence. It called on political parties, civil society organisations and community leaders to reject intimidation and promote democratic values rooted in dialogue and mutual respect.
The NBCC further demanded accountability for those responsible for perpetrating, instigating or condoning violence, while expressing solidarity with victims irrespective of political affiliation.
Beyond condemning the violence, the NBCC used the occasion to remind elected representatives of their responsibilities to voters.
The council noted that candidates often make extensive commitments during campaigns but fail to maintain the same level of engagement after securing electoral victory.
The church body urged elected MLAs and municipal councillors to demonstrate transparency, sincerity and tangible commitment to public welfare, emphasising that democracy does not end with elections but requires continuous accountability and public service.
Polling concludes
Despite the disturbance in Wokha, polling for by-elections in three municipal wards across Nagaland was completed on Tuesday.
Voting was conducted in Ward No. 11 (Chaara) under Chümoukedima Town Council; Ward No. 8 (Tsumang ‘B’) under Wokha Town Council; and Ward No. 9 (Samba Ghoki) under Atoizu Town Council.
According to State Election Commissioner T John Longkumer, voter turnout stood at 83.6% in Chümoukedima, 69.5% in Wokha and an impressive 96.41% in Atoizu.
The contests featured BJP and NPF candidates in both Chümoukedima and Wokha, while Atoizu witnessed a contest between an NPF nominee and an Independent candidate.
The State Election Commission stated that polling was completed successfully across all designated polling stations, while counting of votes and declaration of results are scheduled for June 19.
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