Kohima, April 9 (NationPress) The by-election for the Koridang Assembly constituency in Nagaland's Mokokchung district commenced this Thursday morning under strict security protocols, as per election officials.

A significant number of voters, notably women, were observed queuing at various polling stations across the 30 locations in the Assembly segment, reflecting a strong turnout. Voting started at 7 a.m. and will proceed continuously until 4 p.m. in the constituency.

With 22,390 registered voters, including 11,013 women, the electoral fate of six candidates will be determined. The counting of ballots is set for May 4.

Due to recent violent incidents, the district administration has enforced a night curfew in four villages within the Assembly segment following clashes that resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries just two days prior.

Ajit Kumar Verma, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, has mandated a complete sealing of the inter-state boundary between Mokokchung district and Assam from April 7 till 6 p.m. on April 9. These precautions aim to prevent unauthorized movement, curb inducement distribution, and deter intimidation or disruption during the electoral proceedings.

This by-election was necessitated by the passing of the sitting MLA, Imkong L. Imchen, who died on November 11, 2024, at a private hospital in Guwahati following a brief illness at the age of 75.

The BJP, part of the ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), has nominated Daochier I. Imchen, the late legislator's son, as the alliance's consensus candidate. Other notable candidates include I. Abenjang from the National People's Party (NPP) and T. Chalukumba Ao from the Congress.

In addition, three Independent candidates -- Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang Kichu, and Major Toshikaba (Retd) -- are competing, making the election more competitive.

Candidate Chalukumba Ao has previously contested this seat three times (2013, 2018, and 2023) but has not secured a win, while Major Toshikaba (Retd) narrowly lost the 2023 election while representing the Naga People's Front (NPF).

The late Imchen was a seasoned politician with a distinguished electoral history, having been elected to the Nagaland Assembly five times -- first as an Independent in 2003, then on NPF tickets in 2008, 2013, and 2018, before winning on a BJP ticket in 2023.

The campaigning for the Koridang Assembly by-election, designated for Scheduled Tribes, wrapped up on Tuesday amid heightened tensions following reported violent incidents on April 5 and 6.

A police official stated that at least one individual was killed, several were injured, numerous vehicles were damaged, and 16 people were detained concerning violence related to the polls.

Authorities also recovered firearms and ammunition from various sites, leading to the imposition of a night curfew in the villages within the constituency.

Chief Electoral Officer Bhagyashree Banayat confirmed that all necessary actions have been implemented to guarantee that the by-election proceeds in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.