Kohima, April 9: The National People’s Party (NPP) has alleged that anti-social elements posing as personnel of the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) are operating in parts of Nagaland ahead of the by-election in the 28-Koridang (ST) Assembly constituency.

In a complaint submitted to the Election Commission of India, NPP national secretary Saidul Khan claimed that the alleged impersonators were present in Chungtia, Longkhum, and Mangmetong villages. According to the complaint, these individuals were reportedly restricting the movement of villagers, creating an atmosphere of fear, and potentially attempting to influence voters.

The party, which has fielded I Abenjang as its candidate, expressed concern over possible disruptions, including intimidation and booth capturing. It has sought the immediate deployment of central paramilitary forces to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma confirmed that security measures have been intensified following incidents of violence reported on April 6 in Longkhum and Mangmetong. The clashes reportedly involved supporters of Independent candidate Major (Retd) Toshikaba, Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Daochier I Imchen, and other groups, resulting in one fatality.

Additional deployment has increased the number of IRB companies in the area to four. The district administration in Mokokchung has also imposed a night curfew in Longkhum, Mangmetong, Alichen, and the second NAP camp area from April 6.