Voters line up to cast their ballots during the bye-election for Wokha Town Council Ward No. 8 (Tsumang B) on June 16. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | June 16
Voting for the Wokha Town Council (WTC) Ward-8 (Tsumang B Colony) bye-election concluded on June 16 with a voter turnout of 69.37%. The bye-election witnessed a straight fight between BJP candidate Mhomo Humtsoe and NPF nominee Ar Aling Lotha. It was necessitated by the demise of former Wokha Town Council Chairperson, Khozamo Murry, who passed away in December 2025.
The day was however marked by tense moments starting with the BJP candidate getting allegedly assaulted by rival NPF supporters. The BJP candidate Mhomo Humtsoe alleged that he along with two party observers were allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals in the early hours preceding the start of polling.
Humtsoe claimed that the incident took place around 4:30 a.m. when he, along with two BJP observers, was proceeding to inspect the polling station before voting began.
According to the candidate, a group allegedly led by one Zubemo confronted them en route, and physically attacked all three. Humtsoe said he sustained injuries in the assault.
The matter was immediately reported to the police, following which a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged, Humtsoe added. He further informed that the accused person, Zubemo, has reportedly been taken into police custody.
“We are trying to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election, but such incidents are unfortunate and undermine the democratic process,” Humtsoe stated.
A video was also widely circulated where some people were seen involved in stone pelting incident. According to report two police personnel sustained minor injuries. Authorities had put in place stringent security measures following reports of tension and complaints raised by both contesting sides during the course of polling.
Meanwhile, Advisor and District Planning & Development Board Chairman Mhathung Yanthan, accompanied by MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe, visited the polling stations during the day to assess the polling arrangements and monitor the conduct of the election.
Prohibitory security measures clamped
Following the developments, the Wokha District Administration enforced prohibitory measures in the WTC Ward-8 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. According to officials, the measure allowed the polling process to proceed without major disruption until its completion.
The order, which came into effect as polling proceeded, followed what the district administration described as “credible information” indicating existing tension and a reasonable apprehension among rival groups and supporters in the ward. It prohibited the assembly of five or more persons, carrying of arms, weapons, sticks, daos, machetes, catapults and explosives.
It barred any acts of intimidation, coercion, threats or inducement directed at electors, polling personnel and election officials, and warned of strict legal action against any act, speech, slogan or activity likely to provoke violence, create communal tensions or disturb public peace.
The prohibitory order will remain in force until further orders. Police, armed forces and other government personnel engaged in law and order and election duties, along with election officials authorised by the concerned authority, were exempt. The Superintendent of Police, Wokha, was directed to ensure the strict enforcement of this order.
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