Congress, Shiv Sena petition CEO to curb violence
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 14 2024:
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has filed a complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manipur in connection with an incident of gunshots disrupting an election-related public interaction programme organised by the Congress party at Moirang, Bishnupur district on Friday afternoon.
According to the complaint, around 400 to 500 people had gathered at Phairenbam Mandop under Moirang assembly constituency for the meeting, which was convened under the guidance of ex-MLA and retired IAS P Sharatchandra to welcome the Congress candidate for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
However, chaos ensued when unidentified persons fired five to six gunshots into the crowd, prompting panic and chaos among the attendees.
The gunmen reportedly issued threats to both the organisers and the crowd, demanding the immediate dispersal of the gathering.
As a result, the meeting was abruptly disrupted, and attendees fled the scene to ensure their safety.
Among the leaders scheduled to participate in the interaction programme included AICC Manipur in-charge Girish Chodankar, MPCC president MLA K Meghachandra, CLP leader & former chief minister O Ibobi, MLAs K Ranjit, Th Lokeshwar, AICC minority in-charge Rajesh Sethi, and INC candidate Prof Bimol, among others.
MPCC has filed a complaint to the CEO Manipur, urging immediate legal action against perpetrators of the violence.
The committee has also called for enhancing security measures, including deployment of central armed police personnel, in all valley areas of Manipur.
Concerns were also raised about the potential for further violence during the upcoming elections, given the sensitive nature of the region and reports indicating the possibility of organised violence.
Meanwhile, Toijam Debananda, president of Shiv Sena (UBT), has reported threats and intimidation directed towards him and his family and consequently filed a complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manipur highlighting gravity of the situation.
As per complaint hied with the CEO, the incident occurred on April 12 at around 11:05 pm when unknown individuals, masked and armed with sophisticated weapons, arrived in three vehicles without license plates at Debananda's residence in Kyamgei.
According to Debananda's account, the assailants sought his whereabouts and, upon failing to locate him, proceeded to intimidate his family members.
Additionally, they vandalised signboards and banners displayed at his office.
The perpetrators allegedly issued a stern warning, cautioning Debananda against involvement in ongoing election activities, Debananda said in his complaint adding that he works for Prof Angomcha Bimoi Akoijam's campaign under the banner of the INDIA Bloc, Manipur.
Expressing grave concern oyer the incident, Debananda hied a formal complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur, highlighting the severity of the situation.
He asserted that the threats pose a direct challenge to his democratic rights and could potentially endanger his life and urged the CEO to investigate the matter promptly and take necessary steps to ensure his and his family's lives are not in danger.