AMN
Five columns of army have been deployed in wake of anti-Urban Local Bodies poll agitation going on in Nagaland. Violent mobs went on the rampage in the state capital Kohima to vent their anger against ongoing elections to urban local bodies. The mobs vandalised and set on fire government offices and vehicles. Army sources said, five columns, each comprising between 50 and 70 personnel, have been pressed into service to contain the situation.
Activists of several tribal groups vandalised the State Election Commission and Deputy Commissioner’s office and set ablaze the Kohima Municipal Council building.
Sources said, the Regional Transport office and that of the Excise Department were also set ablaze by violent mobs demanding the resignation of Chief Minister TR Zeliang and his entire cabinet for going ahead with the polls despite opposition from powerful tribal groups that are against 33 per cent reservation for women in the municipal bodies.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang has rejected the demand for his governments resignation following the death of two persons in anti-ULB poll agitation in Dimapur and appealed to the people to stop violence and not fall prey to rumour mongers.