Shiv Sena points finger at BJP workers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 17 2022:
In yet another instance of pre-poll violence, at least four workers of Shiv Sena were allegedly beaten by a group of alleged BJP supporters in Keirao Assembly segments last night.
Denouncing the alleged offences, a sit-in protest was staged at the residence of Shiv Sena candidate in Keirao AC Toijam Debananda at Kyamgei Khoirom Leikai, today.
Speaking to media persons, T Debananda claimed that the incident took place at Chanam Sandrok Mayai Leikai while he was returning from an election campaign venue along with some of his supporters.
Alleging that the BJP supporters not only used harsh language but also assaulted them for campaigning in the area, the Shiv Sena candidate claimed that four vehicles were also damaged in the attack while one M Dhanabir (43) sustained injuries.
"On hearing about the assault, a few people from my place came to our rescue with medicines but they too met the same fate at Phunal Maring and in the process three of them were hurt," he alleged.
Sister of the Shiv Sena candidate Toijam Bijenti (55) who claimed to have witnessed the incident stated that five of them including three women went to rescue in one vehicle after her brother informed her of the incident.
Saying that they encountered a group of people donning black dresses at Phunal Maring, she claimed that the group detained them and asked the reason for being in the area.
Further claiming that she responded honestly believing that they (the group) were security personnel, Bijenti alleged that their driver Sorokhaibam Hemba (57) was pulled out of the vehicle and assaulted soon after hearing the response.
"Apart from pointing guns, the group also beat me up and my sister T Romita," she claimed and alleged that there a supporter of MLA L Rameshwar Meetei among the attackers.
Claiming that it is not the first time BJP is targeting her brother, she said that no politician will be able to win the trust of the electors using violent means.
Shiv Sena State unit president M Tombi said that a group of BJP using violence to win elections by not sparing even women is very unfortunate and deserves strong condemnation.
He said violence should have no place in a democracy.