Chandel candidate casts slur on UKLF
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 14, 2012:
Cadres of United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), a signatory to the Suspension of Operation agreement with Delhi and Imphal, threatened and attempted to abduct CPI candidate DN Haokip who is contesting the coming election in Chandel AC.
The incident occurred at Liwachaning Khul on January 12 where the armed cadres of UKLF tried to abduct the intending candidate and also warned him not to contest the elections.
Addressing the media at Manipur Press Club in connection with the incident, DN Haokip alleged that around 10 cadres of UKLF stopped him at Liwachaning Khul on his way to Chandel district headquarters for scrutiny.
Commander of UKLF Mangpao Haokip of Saivom Village, UKLF PRO Khaingam Mate of Sinam Village and elder brother of ADC Chandel, Satgoulensat Haokip, who were among the ten cadres, threatened him with firearms and pulled him down from the vehicle, he added.
The candidate further alleged that the cadres asked him to withdraw his nomination in order to support the sitting MLA of Chandel and INC candidate Thangkholun Haokip.
He maintained that he left the place for Pallel after he was forced to sign a withdrawal form produced by the cadres.
From Pallel, he lodged a complaint to the district SP following which he was provided security escort upto Chandel district headquarters, he added.
Haokip has been provided security since then, said the CEO.
Mentioning that a complainthas also been submitted to the CEO on January 12 to take necessary action against the group, DN Haokip alleged that UKLF threatened the village chiefs of the constituency to give their votes to Thangkholen Haokip.
DN Haokip further said that he is contesting the State Assembly Election for the fifth time and he urged authority concerned to make the coming elections free and fair.