Imphal, February 03: Two persons including one civilian and an MR rifleman were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked the residence of the Congress (I) candidate in Heirok Assembly constituency, Moirangthem Oken at Heirok Part II Mayai Leikai today at about 7.45 pm.

Four others including three civilians and the PSO to the candidate were also injured.

The deceased are identified as Rifleman Sapam Mangijao (27) of Thoubal Kiyam Siphai and Saikhom Thapasana (29) of Heirok Ward number VII.

Mangijao who was shot in the leg died due to excessive bleeding while Thapasana died on the spot after catching a bullet in the abdomen.

Those injured were admitted to JN Hospital and are said to be out of danger.

Eye witness accounts said three gunmen suddenly appeared at the main gate of the candidate�s residence and released a volley of shots at the party workers who had gathered there for routine election discussions.

The security personnel also returned fire and party workers and local people gave a chase but the gunmen made good their escape.

The gunmen also launched another round of attack from a thorough fare on the northern side of the candidate�s residence.

Thoubal SP Clay Khongsai said the attack was launched from three directions.

The attackers numbered at least 30.Additional forces rushed to the spot and conducted search operations.

However no report of any arrest was came in.

police recovered empty cases of AK rifles, M-16 and SLRs.

Prior to the attack a public meeting was held at a ground near the candidate�s residence.

AICC leader Imran Kidwai addressed the meeting and left at 6.30 pm while Mani Shankar Aiyar who was scheduled to address the meeting could not make it due to his tight schedule.

The attack came barely thirty minutes after MPCCI president O Ibobi left after meeting Oken, said sources.

This is the second attack on Oken in the run up to the election.

Oken is providing security escorts under Z category.

On the other hand gunmen also fire near the Wangkhei Yonglan Leirak residence of Congress candidate in Yaiskul Assembly constituency, E Kunjeshwore today at about 7.30 pm.

No one was injured.

EK was at home at the time of the firing.