Stray incidents reported
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 24 2019:
Even though repoll was conducted quite peacefully at 12 polling stations today, some violence and disturbances were reported from some areas.
In one such incident, suspected BJP workers allegedly thrashed some individuals, including a CPI inner agent.
The incident occurred at around 6.30 am around 300-400 metres way from 6/6 polling station of Kyamgei Mamang Leikai, under Keirao AC and two individuals were allegedly hurt during the incident.
They have been identified as CPI inner agent Yumnam Shanta s/o Y Yaiskul and Keisham Herojit s/o K Loken.
According to the two individuals, they, along with two others, went to the polling station in a car at around 6.30 am.
When they reached Kyamgei Mamang Leikai, a group of around 40 people allegedly led by one Nameirakpam Ingobi and Moirangthem Bigyananda stopped them.
They further claimed that they refused to let them go any further and began attacking them.
The group also destroyed the windshield of the car they came in.
However, after some time, CPI candidate Dr Nara came to the area and finally, with his help, Shanta was sent to be an inner agent at the polling station, they claimed.
Speaking to media persons, Shanta claimed that as he reached the polling station late, around 60 persons had already cast their votes.
He also alleged that he was threatened by other inner agents.
On the other hand, it has been reported that 4 CPI workers who went to inspect 7/32 Yambem (C) polling station under Andro AC, were allegedly thrashed by members of a rival political party which also included women.
Speaking to media persons at the residence of CPI candidate Dr M Nara today , secretary of All Manipur Nupi Marup Lairenjam Sumatibala said that she, including three others had gone to Andro AC to inspect the repoll process.
They were resting at a bus stand, around 250-300 feet from 7/32 Yambem (C), when a large group of people approached them and began accusing them of trying to disturb the peaceful repoll at the polling station.
The people then began attacking the driver of their vehicle, Khwairakpam Ramananda and even threatened and harassed the women in the vehicle, she alleged.
They were about to leave when another vehicle supposedly blocked their path and began beating Ramananda again.
At last, they had to return home along Yairipok, she added.
On the other hand, CPI candidate Dr M Nara strongly condemned the incidents which occurred today during the repoll and added that such show of money power and muscle power is an unfortunate sign of the direction which the society is heading.
Such tactics and unethical practice will make it impossible for honest and well deserving candidates to serve the people, he added.
It is high time for the people to wake up.
If the people do not distance themselves from such factors, the society will be doomed one day, he lamented.
Nara continued that CPI does not hope to get a drastic increase in the number of votes by virtue of the repoll and the push for the repoll was made to ensure free and fair election and to prevent misuse of power and money during election.