An Update on the Upcoming Elections in Nagaland and Meghalaya

On February 15, the ECI at a public press meet in Kohima declared that 14 cases of pre-poll violence have occurred, which have resulted in a total of 96 FIRs being registered. The 14 cases do not include seizures of contraband in the run-up to the elections. As of February 13, Rs. 24,72,890 in cash, 25,856 litres of liquor, 220 Kgs of ganja, 18,683 banned tablets and capsules five grams of Heroin and Opium, two vehicles, two firearms, and 33 rounds of ammunition have been seized. The ECI has also set up 178 Flying Squads and 84 Static Surveillance Teams to check the flow of liquor, drugs, money and other inducements. In addition to this, 29 check posts of the Excise Department have also been set up along the border, and Air Intelligence units have been mobilized at the airports at Agartala, Dimapur, Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, and Silchar.

The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung has imposed Section 144 CrPC in Chungtia Village following incidents of pre-poll violence between supporters of two rival candidates. Apart from barring the assembly of 5 or more persons, the order further restricts all persons from carrying arms, lathis and explosive materials. The order will not apply to government officials involved in conducting the elections and the maintenance of law and order.

Taking note of the incidents of pre-poll violence across the state, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has appealed to youths to exercise their votes in a responsible manner, to keep away from ‘youth camps’, political inducements, liquor, drugs and other forms of ‘immorality’. The NBCC also appealed to youths to vote for leaders who are ‘god fearing’ who would bring positive changes to the society.

In Meghalaya apart from a few incidents of poll-related violence, such as an NPP supporter’s house getting gutted, the atmosphere according to the election observers is congenial to holding elections. They appealed to candidates to refrain from contesting on the basis of caste, creed, or religion. The West Garo Hills Election Officer, Ram Singh informed the public of the procedure that would be followed in case a seizure took place. He informed the public that seized cash which is not linked to any political party would be held for no more than 7 days from the end of polling, and if the cash would be in excess of Rs. 10 lakhs, the Nodal Officer of the Income Tax Department would be informed prior to its release. On February 14, the ECI put in place a ban on exit polls from February 18 to 27, with a view towards the upcoming elections. Tripura will go to the polls on February 18, while Meghalaya and Nagaland will both go on February 27.