Two die as rival supporters clash in Tuli

Two persons died as rival party supporters clashed at Tzudikong in Tuli assembly segment of Mokokchung district, barely a week ahead of assembly elections in Nagaland.

Two persons died as rival party supporters clashed at Tzudikong in Tuli assembly segment of Mokokchung district, barely a week ahead of assembly elections in Nagaland, with political parties alleging involvement of underground elements in such incidents.

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Supporters of the NPF and independent candidate in Tuli exchanged fire during a clash over campaigning in the area on Wednesday, official sources said.

Two persons died of gunshot wounds but their exact affiliation was not known.

While Temjen Jamir was the NPF contestant, he was pitted against independent candidate T Tali in Tuli seat.

The incident was among the series of poll related violence in the area since November when two persons had died.

Although pre-poll violence involving supporters of contestants were confined to Mokokchung district for past two weeks, sporadic instances of threats, intimidation and clashes were also reported in other parts of Nagaland with parties trading charges of involvement of underground elements.

Leaders of different underground groups, however, have declared non-interference in the elections.

Meanwhile, in stepped up vigil, Assam Rifles increased patrolling, established check points and conducted frisking of vehicles all over the state, AR sources said.

The paramilitary personnel during the raids recovered large amounts of money, including Rs 16 lakh, during searches of vehicles. The identity of the occupants was not known.