6 hurt in pre-poll violence
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 11 2021:
The state is gradually witnessing a rise in pre-poll violence ahead of the 12th Manipur Legislative Election, which is scheduled to be held in early part of 2022.On Monday, a fight involving firearms broke out between the workers of two intending candidates in Yairipok Yambem, Andro AC, leaving at least 6 people injured.
According to a police report, United Progressive Andro, Yairipok Yambem organised a public meeting for intending candidate Lourembam Sanjoy at Yambem Laimang community hall on Monday.
After the meeting concluded, a public rally was taken out from the venue to the location of another meeting at Yairipok Yambem Makha Leikai.
Meanwhile, a public meeting of former MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar was organised by Youth Development Committee in a venue close to the second location.
After hearing that a meeting of former MLA Shyamkumar was taking place in the area, the workers of two candidates started quarrelling as the MLA was restricted from entering Yairipok Yambem.
As the workers of both candidates were large in number, the quarrel soon turned physical.
Subsequently, the workers started taking out their license guns and started firing at each other, apart from using sticks, wooden logs, etc, to attack.
During the ensuing chaos, 6 people were injured, of which 3 were struck by the pellets of double barrel.
The three injured have been identified as Md Khalid (45) of Yairipok Changamdabi, Md lnthem (36) of Yairipok Tulihal and Jayanta (34) of Yairipok Nungaipokpi.
The injured were first taken to Yairipok PHC for first aid and later shifted to JNIMS.
On receiving news of the incident, large number of Imphal East and Thoubal District Commando rushed to the scene and took control of the crowd.
Andro PS has registered a case in connection with the incident and further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, police have taken up strict security measures to prevent any further violent incidents.
On the other hand, Loukrakpam Kabita, w/o Jayanta of Yairipok Nungaipokpi, who was injured in the incident, has appealed to the authority concerned to arrest the person(s) responsible and punish them as per the law of the land.
Speaking in a press meet held at Manipur Press Club here on Monday evening, Kabita informed that her hus band is currently admitted to JNIMS in critical condition.
She conveyed that her husband Jayanta drives a Tata truck to support his family.
He was on his way home after delivering goods to Imphal when he was shot at.
She then questioned who will be held responsible for the misfortune that has befallen upon the family.