All six candidates for the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly bye-election seen with DC & DEO Mokokchung and SP following the coordination meeting on enforcement of the 48-hour silence period at the DC conference hall, Mokokchung on April 7.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | April 7
The 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency bye-election has entered the mandatory 48-hour silence period, with the district administration reiterating its commitment to ensure a “free, fair and peaceful” poll even as political exchanges and pre-poll tensions marked the final days of campaigning.
At a coordination meeting held on April 7 at the DC’s conference hall, Mokokchung, attended by all six candidates, the Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer (DEO) Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, assured that “all necessary provisions and efforts are being made to ensure the conduct of bye election in free, fair and peaceful manner.” He further appealed to “all the candidates and their supporters and general public of 28 Koridang AC to cooperate… and strictly abide by the provisions of Silent Period and MCC.”
Campaigning concluded at 4:00 pm on April 7 (Tuesday), imposing the enforcement of the silence period. The administration directed that all non-local political workers “must leave the area immediately” after the close of campaigning.
Imchatoba rebuts ‘merger’ rumours
Amid circulating claims on social media, Independent candidate Imchatoba Imchen issued a clarification, stating, “There is no official confirmation of any such arrangement, and such claims are misleading and unnecessary at this stage.”
Appealing for restraint, he urged “all concerned to avoid spreading rumours and misinformation” and called on voters “to exercise their choice freely and with confidence.” Emphasising Koridang’s electoral tradition, he stated, “Let this election reflect the true voice of the people, without confusion or pressure.”
NPP highlights momentum
On the campaign front, senior National People’s Party (NPP) leader James Sangma expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, stating that “the campaigning process has really picked up… and we are at a very, very good position,” despite a late start.
Reacting to reported violence in the constituency, Abenjang said, “The incident is so unfortunate.” Calling it “contrasting with my philosophy,” he added, “I’m deeply saddened and shocked by this kind of violence,” while urging authorities that “the law should take its own course” and that enforcement agencies should “strictly monitor and implement” necessary measures, including curfew.
Congress frames poll as ideological contest
The Congress, which intensified campaigning in Longkhum and Alichen on Monday, and Mangmetong on Tuesday positioned the election as a larger political battle.
MP and AICC Incharge of Nagaland, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka said, “This election will be a victory of secularism, it will be a victory of brotherhood, it will be a victory of plurality.”
Backing the Congress candidate, Ulaka added, “he’s been connected with the people… and definitely Chalukumba Ao will come out victorious,” while stressing the need for opposition representation, “If Chalukumba Ao goes to the assembly, then you’ll have at least one opposition MLA who can ask questions to the government.”
Meanwhile, the BJP on Tuesday had called for a press conference in Mokokchung but cancelled it, stating that party leader Imna Along did not arrive for the scheduled interaction.
Death casts shadow over campaign end
The campaign period was overshadowed by violence earlier this week. Imrongsungba Imchen, who succumbed to injuries during a clash between rival political supporters on April 5, was laid to rest on April 7 at his native village, Longkhum.
The Koridang seat is witnessing a six-cornered contest. Apart from Imchatoba Imchen (Independent), the other candidates are Daochier I Imchen (BJP), T Chalukumba Ao (INC), I Abenjang (NPP), Maj Toshikaba (Independent), and Imtiwapang Kichu (Independent). Polling is scheduled for April 9, 2026.
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