MPCC chief turns table on NPF, MSCP
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 06, 2012:
MPCC President and Congress Candidate in Nungba Assembly Constituency, Gaikhangam has alleged that NPF candidate was backed by NSCN (IM) and MSCP candidate by ZUF in the Constituency.
Refuting the allegation levelled by MSCP candidate Adim Panmei, Gaikhangam clarified that he did not visit polling station number 54/9 - Chakanlong Junior High School during repolling on February 4. Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan today, the MPCC President said the MSCP supporters backed by ZUF and NPF workers supported by NSCN (IM) cadres jointly put in effort to lessen the number of Congress votes in the particular polling station.
However, the two parties would not reap much benefit from their effort as this particular polling station is a Congress stronghold, he added.
Narrating the incident of February 4, he said, after around 500 voters cast their votes, the supporters of both the parties backed by the cadres of respective underground outfits disturbed polling by pelting stones and firing several rounds of gunshots.
Maintaining that even some security personnel were injured in the attack, Gaikhangam added that the EVM automatically switched off as the Presiding Officer tried to protect it from possible damage in the melee.
Later, additional security from Assam Rifles rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, he said adding that the voters who had already entered the polling area before 3 pm were allowed to cast votes in another EVM according to election guideline.
He also clarified that Congress workers never indulged in mass rigging on the said day as alleged by the MSCP candidate.
Gaikhangam added, he could not visit polling station number 54/9 on the day of repolling as he was busy in monitoring other Congress candidates.