Northeast Desk, 13th April: The Manipur Congress has made a fervent plea for the deployment of central armed forces in valley regions following a disturbing incident during a public meeting in Moirang on April 12.
The unsettling event unfolded around 3:30 p.m. during an election-related public interaction programme at Phairenbam Mandop in Phairenbam Leikai, P.S. Moirang under Moirang A/C. The gathering, overseen by P. Sharatchandra Singh (Retd. IAS and Ex-MLA), was intended for the visit of the Congress Party Candidate for the 1-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.
During the event, which drew approximately 400 to 500 attendees, chaos erupted as unidentified assailants fired 5/6 gunshots into the crowd, sending shockwaves of panic through the gathering. Attendees scrambled for safety as the gunmen issued threats, disrupting the meeting’s proceedings.
Prominent leaders en route to participate in the Election Interaction Programme, including Girish Chodankar (AICC In-charge Manipur), K. Meghachandra (MLA and President, MPCC), O. Ibobi Singh (MLA & Ex-Chief Minister and CLP Leader, Manipur), K. Ranjit Singh (MLA and Dy. CLP Leader), Th. Lokeshwar Singh (MLA and Party Chief Whip), Anil Tan (Minority In-charge, AICC), Rajesh Sethi (Minority In-charge, AICC), and Angomcha Bimol Akoijam (INC Candidate, 1-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency), were among those affected by the incident.
In response, the Manipur Congress Party has demanded swift legal action against the perpetrators and immediate security reinforcements, including the deployment of central armed police personnel, in all valley areas of Manipur. With the looming specter of violence ahead of the elections, the party stresses the urgency of preventative measures to safeguard voters and candidates, ensuring a fair and safe electoral process for all.
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