Dimapur, April 8 A day before the by-election in Nagaland's Koridang (ST) assembly constituency, the National People's Party lodged a complaint with the Election Commission on Wednesday, alleging that anti-social elements are impersonating as personnel of the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) in parts of the region.
In a letter to the EC, NPP national secretary Saidul Khan alleged that these "impersonators" were illegally controlling the movement of villagers, 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 the villages of Chungtia, Longkhum, and Mangmetong in Mokokchung district, where the constituency falls.
The party asserted that such activities pose a "direct and grave threat" to free and fair elections, raising concerns about voter intimidation, possible booth capture, and disruption of law and order.
Alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct and EC guidelines on the deployment of security forces, the NPP urged the poll panel to verify 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 contesting 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 independent 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.
