Four hurt in poll related conflict
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 10 2011:
Tension gripped Sangaiyumpham area following a show down among groups of people on the intervening night of May 9 and 10 in which four persons sustained injuries, one critically.
The brawl resulted from a grand feast organised in connection with the forthcoming elections.
Incidentally, Sangaiyumpham is a part of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi's home constituency.
The injured individuals have been identified as Md Zamir Khan (27) s/o Manao, Md Ajiudin (60) and his son Md Salaudin, and Md Ilas Khan (17) s/o Islaudin, all from Sangaiyumpham Cherapur Mathak.
Md Zamir Khan was hit by bullets on both shoulders while Md Ajiudin and Md Ilas Khan suffered bullet wounds on the heads.
Md Islas Khan is undergoing treatment in Shija Hospital in critical condition.
Others have been admitted to RIMS.
Subsequent upon the incident, tension prevailed in Sangaiyumpham this morning compelling police to fire tear gas shells, rubber bullets and mock bombs to control the situation.
In the process, one Md Salaudin was hit by a rubber bullet and is being treated at RIMS.
According to a police source, Muslims of Sangaiyumpham supported en masse to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in the last General elections to the State Assembly .
Taking this into account, a grand feast was organised exclusively for Phundreimayum clan on April 27 seeking support of the local people in seeking Congress ticket for the forthcoming elections to the State Legislative Assembly.
This enraged the other Muslim clans settled in Sangaiyumpham.
In reaction, excepting Phundreimayum clan, the remaining 11 clans organised a grand feast for themselves on the same day.
In addition to this, the 11 clans were planning for another grand feast on June 15 .
But in the meantime, animosity between Phundreimayum clan and the remaining clans aggravated resulting in a direct confrontation last night.
As the tension rose, the two groups resorted to opening fire at about 1.30 am resulting in the injuries caused to the four individuals, added the source.
Following the show down, tension remains high in Sangaiyumpham area and security has been alerted to avoid recurrence of violence that may marred peace and tranquility in the area.