PRJA convenor Erendro attacked
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 04 2017: People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) convenor and candidate for Thang-meiband A/C, Erendro Leichonbam was attacked today by a group of people at Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai during the first phase of the 11th State Assembly election.

Speaking to media persons at his residence at Hi- jam Dewan Leikai, Erendro said that the incident happened at around 11.30 am when he along with some of the party workers went to Thangmeiband Sinam Lei-kai during their visit to various polling stations of Thangmeiband AC.

According to him, a group of people stopped his i10 car bearing number MN01 X4223 as soon as they reached Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and began to vandalise the party's flag adorning his car and even broke their whistles, which is the party's symbol.

PRJA convenor Erendro attacked

Erendro alleged that two individuals, Leishangthem Pratap and Konsam Mani-tomba dragged him out of the car and started beating him.

They even tore his shirt and threatened him and asked if he wished to die.

The accused not only thrashed his face but repeatedly punched his chest and even used the sticks used for PRJA flag to beat him on the neck and it caused him bleed.

Erendro pointed out that the security personnel post-ed at the area could not do anything as the mob was too large for them to handle.

He said, "Prior to the election, our party had been barred from campaigning in Sinam Leikai.

Along with prohibiting PRJA posters and flags from the area, they even drove away PRJA workers/supporters who went to the locality for publicity campaign" .

"Pratap banned the party from opening a booth in the area and even forced us to pack our tables which we set up in different areas of Thangmeiband", he alleged adding that the accused threw stones at PRJA's rally in Thangmeiband.

Erendro said that the people damaged his vehicle using rocks and stones when the party workers whom he came with tried to pull him inside his vehicle and escape as they feared for his life.

Erendro further pointed out that this was not the first time Pratap attacked him.

"Pratap has been attacking every candidate that dares to enter Sinam Leikai.

One only needs to look up past reports to confirm this", he alleged.

The PRJA candidate said that today's attack is not an attack on him but an attack on PRJA's convenors and candidates and the people of the State who seek to uphold democratic principles.

"It is an attack on the democratic principles of the youth who are aiming to usher in honest politics in the State and it as an attack on our policy", he added.

"PRJA aims to bring a change in the political scenario of the State through peaceful means and the only place for people who act like thugs is jail", Erendro said adding that he will lodge an FIR against Pratap and Manitomba on the charge of attempt to murder at Imphal police station.

He pointed out that he has already met the DC regarding the incident and plans to file a complaint after speaking with the CEO, Manipur.

"We will also meet the ECI to discuss about the possible actions and measures regarding 9/1 and 9/2 polling stations of Thangmeiband AC", he added.

Erendro was reportedly rushed to RIMS casualty ward and examined for his injuries as soon as they escaped the attack.