Mokokchung, April 8 (MExN): The district administration in Mokokchung has ordered the sealing of the inter-state border with Assam in view of the upcoming bye-election to the 28-Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency, scheduled for April 9.
In an order, District Magistrate Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, stated that the Model Code of Conduct is in force across the district and the “silent period” under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 came into effect from 4 pm on April 7, during which all election-related campaigning is prohibited.
Citing ground reports, the administration said the border sealing was necessary to prevent unlawful movement, intimidation, inducement distribution and other activities that could affect the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections.
Accordingly, the inter-state border between Mokokchung district and Assam has been sealed from 4 pm on April 7 to 6 pm on April 9.
As per the order, all inter-state border crossings will remain closed except for movement along the National Highway. Public movement of persons who are not registered voters of the concerned assembly constituency or administrative area has been restricted during the period.
The order further stated that outsiders will not be permitted to enter or move within the jurisdiction of the assembly constituency or administrative area, while travellers on the National Highway will be allowed only for bona fide transit purposes.
The administration has advised residents, traders, commuters and the general public to plan their travel accordingly and avoid unnecessary movement in border areas to prevent inconvenience and violations.
It warned that any violation of the order will invite prosecution under relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable laws.
