Anti-ADC poll stand against Govt decision turns on candidates
Candidate house in Cdl, bridge on IT Rd set afire
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 31 2010: In two separate incidents of violence related to the Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections in Sadar Hills area, the house of a Congress candidate at Leisiphung village and a bridge along IT Road have been set on fire.

According to police report, the incident took place in the intervening night of May 29 and 30 at 22-Kamuching Constituency under Sadar Hills.

The constituency is located between Imphal East and Ukhrul districts.

In his report to the police, the Congress candidate Rockson Shimray (42), who contested in the first phase of the ADC election held on May 26, said that his house was set on fire by a group of armed persons who came along with the brothers of his rival candidate.

Damaged house of a ADC candidate at Ukl (L) and belongings of a candidate burnt at Sadar Hills

Rockson has named the accused as Hopeson Keishing, Horngam Keishing, Mathew Keishing, Paisho Keishing ( who is also a personnel of 4th IRB) and asserted that the armed persons were led by them.

Before setting the house on fire, the arsonists closed the windows from outside and at that time only old Varshangla, mother of Shimray was present inside the house.

However, on hearing her screams nearby people managed to rescued her but the arsonists fled.

Two tarpaulin sheets, cloths, some portions of the wall and other properties worth atleast 10,000 have been destroyed in the fire.

Acting on the report of Rockson Shimray, Lamlai Police Station have registered an FIR case ( FIR no.66 (5) 2010 ) under section 436/400/34 IPC and 25 (1-C) Armed Act and investigation started.

Meanwhile, a wooden bridge constructed along the IT Road to connect Thonglan and Kotlen village, located 17 around miles towards south-east of Kangpokpi police station under Sadar Hills was found set on fire by unidentified miscreants at around 10.30 am today.

Subsequent to setting on fire the bridge, vehicular traffic along the said route has been cut off.

On tghe other hand one Gypsy, one truck and one jeep carrying polling personnel to Tamei were pushed down the hill slopes by unidentified miscreants, suspected to be anti-ADC poll activists.

The spot where the incident occured is just about 200 metres away from Tamei.

Five other vehicles were also damaged at the same spot today at about 2 pm.

Police suspected that the bridge may have been started to prevent polling personnel of the second phase of the ADC election from going to Tamenglong district.

It may be mentioned here that some Naga organisations have been boycotting the ADC election.