Assaulted, BJP strongly condemns
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 03 2015 :
A militant group under tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement has been accused of brutally assaulting eight villagers of Lhungjang of 19-Lhungjang DCC under Sadar Hills ADC for voting for a particular candidate in the June 1 ADC poll.
At the same time, the State unit BJP has strongly condemned the incident and demanded the State Govt to book the culprits involved in the incident.
Suspected armed cadres of KRA numbering around ten in full combat dress, reportedly went to Lhungjang village last night and beaten up eight villagers for not voting a particular candidate in the ADC election.
Besides being assaulted severely, some of the victims underwent four/five stitches after being hit with the rifle butts.
The victims are currently undergoing treatment at Christian Hospital, Dewlahland.
They have been identified as Paul (45) s/o Otkhohen, Hemminchon (18) s/o Paul, Lunjamang (22) s/o Jangkhomang, Thangmin Khongsai (30) s/o Lammang, Paogoumang (21) s/o (L) Lamkholun, Mangcha (40) s/o Lhunkhothang Khongsai, Mangminlen (18) s/o Lalthang Doungel, Lalthang (40) s/o Paulen and Thangminlun (25) s/o Thanghao.
The condition of Mangcha Khongsai, who was reportedly dragged out from his house and thrashed in a jungle located 5/6 kms away from the village, is said to be critical.
Interacting with newsmen today at Christian Hospital, the victims expressed concern and questioned how the public can live in such a situation.
President of BJP Manipur State unit, Th Chaoba along with the BJP candidate concerned, Ngamtinmang visited the injured victims at the hospital today.
Th Chaoba also extended financial assistance of Rs 20,000 to the victims.
Independent candidate, Tonglen also visited the victims at the hospital.
At the same time, BJP Manipur State unit has strongly condemned the assault of the villagers.
Addressing a press meet at the BJP office located at Nityaipat Chuthek, State unit BJP general secretary (Admn) M Ashnikumar said that the incident has been reported to the party head office.
The BJP is against the brutal assault and harassment of voters, he said.
He also wondered how militants under SoO agreement could move freely.
It is questionable what the State Govt and Central security personnel posted in and around the area are doing.
Ashnikumar said that a total of 13 persons including four villagers of Ankhunbung bore the brunt of the suspected militants.
Nine of them are being treated at Christian Hospital, Dewlahland, three at RIMS hospital and one at Raj Medicity, he added.
The incident was nothing but an indication of the incompetency of the Congress Govt and its failure to maintain law and order in the State, the BJP leader said.
Pointing out that the prevalence of gun culture was clearly visible in the ADC poll, Ashnikumar said that the election failed to reflect the ideals of democracy.
He also strongly demanded the State Govt to immediately book the culprits.