Kohima, April 6 A supporter of the BJP was allegedly killed and a dozen vehicles were damaged as violence rocked the Mokokchung district of Nagaland on Monday ahead of the by-election to the Koridang seat, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders, officials said.
Imrongsungba Imchen, a resident of the Longkhum village in Mokokchung, died after sustaining injuries in clashes involving supporters of Independent candidate Toshikaba and BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen, they said.
He was referred from the Mokokchung District Hospital to Dimapur for better treatment, but succumbed to injuries on the way near the Botsa village, they said.
A total of 16 people have been detained in connection with the incident, sources said.
In another incident in Mangmetong village, supporters of the BJP allegedly attacked the residence of Independent candidate Imchatoba and vandalized 12 vehicles, officials said.
Following the incident, police said they recovered some guns and ammunition from the village.
District Magistrate Ajit Kumar Verma imposed the curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing apprehension of breach of peace.
The prohibitory orders were imposed in Longkhum village, Mangmetong village, and the Alichen area, including the 2nd NAP camp.
The orders prohibit the assembly of five or more persons in the notified areas between 6 pm and 5 am.
The administration said the decision was taken following reports from sector magistrates and police about the possibility of disturbances to public peace and tranquillity.
Enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the by-election was also cited as a reason for the restrictions.
Authorities said that any violation of the order will invite action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The restrictions have come into immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.
Six candidates are in the fray for the by-election to the Koridang seat. The Congress has fielded T Chalukumba Ao, while the NPP has nominated I Abenjang.
The by-election was necessitated following the death of BJP's Imkong L Imchen, a five-time MLA, on November 11 at the age of 75. The party has fielded his son as the ruling coalition's candidate.
The polling will be held on April 9, while the votes will be counted on May 4.