Presiding Officer among seven killed in poll violence
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 28, 2012: At least seven persons including a presiding officer and one CRPF personnel have been killed and two AR personnel sustained injuries in different incidents of poll-related violence in Chandel district today.

A gun fight broke out at 41/40 Tampi Primary School polling station within Chandel Assembly constituency when suspected NSCN-IM cadres numbering three tried to capture EVM at about noon today.

Of the three suspected NSCN-IM cadres, two wielded small arms while the third wielded automatic rifle.

As the trio tried to capture the EVM, U Tripathy of 155 Bn CRPF, E-Coy challenged them directly at which the UG cadres drew out their guns resulting in a shoot-out.

In the shoot-out, Tripathy was hit by a bullet on the head which killed him on the spot.

U Tripathy was a native of NT Road, Nalbari, Assam.

Six other people were also killed in the gun-fight.

Violence at one of the polling station in Chandel district Picture Coutesy: Poknapham

The deceased victims included presiding officer Kh Ibotombi of Kakching Khunou, polling officials Ksh Premjit of Kakching Turel Wangma, Adum Rongmei of Lilong Chaobok, Kt Inanliu of Teoukolang, Tamenglong, PS Rakesh alias Ukuchung of Chandel Khullen and suspected NSCN-IM cadre Nula Behensing of Chakpikarong.

Rakesh alias Ukuchung who sustained grievous injuries was air-lifted from the polling station to Kangla by a helicopter but he succumbed on the way to RIMS.

He was hit by several rounds of bullets.

Police recovered one pistol from the encounter site.

On the other hand, two Assam Rifles personnel sustained injuries when they were ambushed by unidentified militants at Phaibung between Sita and Saivom.

The AR troops were coming back to Chandel district headquarters together with polling officials and personnel of 215 Bn CRPF, F Coy after election duty from 42/11 polling station of Tengnoupal AC when they were suddenly attacked by the armed militants at around 4.25 pm.

Identities of the injured AR personnel could not be confirmed till the time of filing this report.

Nevertheless, a reinforcement team of Assam Rifles and CRPF have cordoned off the area.

Late reports informed that gun-fight was still continuing.