Imphal, September 21: Supporters of the ruling Congress and the Opposition Political Parties Forum (PPF) sponsored MPP nominee for the Konthoujam by election were beaten up by unidentified gun wielding youths at the residences of both the candidates.

The incident took place last night, according to police source who added that both the candidates were not available at the respective residences when their supporters were beaten up.

The source informed that about five youths stormed into the Konthoujam Kangjeibung Maning Leikai residence of Congress nominee Dr S Budhichandra at around 10.30 pm and asked for the candidate.

As Dr Budhichandra, was not at home the armed youths demanded that election related documents be produced.

After burning the documents at the courtyard of the candidate, the youths also assaulted some political workers who had assembled at the candidate's residence.

Moments later, some unidentified armed youths also reached the residence of MPP candidate K Ranbir located at Konthoujam Mamang Leikai and carried out similar actions.

The source also claimed that the unidentified youths issued strong warnings to the candidates not to defy the by-election boycott call.

State police personnel arrived at the residences of both the candidates, said the source while informing that instructions have been issued by the Police Headquarters to the SP concerned to provide security cover to candidates whose names have already been announced by the respective parties.

MSCP had announced the name of A Manihar as its candidate.

Following the instructions, Manipur Rifles personnel have been deployed at the residences of three candidates as house guard and security escort, further informed the source.

While necessary security personnel have also been deployed at the private residence of Dr S Budhichandra located at Lamphel area, MPP nominee K Ranbir and MSCP's A Manihar have been asked to move in to the State Guest House, Sanjenthong as part of the security measures.

The PHQ is also reported to have insisted for a detailed report from the SP concerned regarding security arrangements for the Konthoujam AC by-election.

By election was necessitated after the sitting MLA of Konthoujam, Dr T Meinya was elected to the Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, PHQ sources asserted that only State forces would be used for the by-election security.

Top police officials have also inspected the sites for stationing a company of MR personnel till the by-election is over with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Khumbong as the most feasible venue.

PHQ is also reported to have asked for enhanced frisking and checking operations as well as to intensify patrolling duty at Konthoujam Constituency area.

It is pertinent to mention that the Apunba Lup Apunba Lup had asked all to boycott of the by-poll in connection with the ongoing agitation to demand complete withdrawal of the repressive Act from Manipur.

Reacting on the incident, MPP nominee K Ranbir Singh affirmed that if a unanimous decision is taken by all concerned to refrain from contesting the by-poll he would not hesitate to withdraw candidature.

He nevertheless asserted that party's and his personal intention to join the election fray is based on the principle of ameliorating the people's resentment vis-�-vis removal of AFSPA from the entire State.

As the said by-poll provides a platform for in-depth deliberation on the AFSPA the party reposed the faith to him to take up the issue more prominently, Ranbir added while talking to The Sangai Express.

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