IMPHAL: Unidentified miscreants unleashed a flurry of gunfire just moments before the commencement of a “One-day Zingtun Consultation on Political Journey: Lok Sabha Election 2024”, held at the Mandap Hall of LM Block in Ukhrul District, Manipur, on Tuesday.
Approximately 400 individuals were present at the event, awaiting discussions with the ex-legislator of the 44-Ukhrul Assembly Constituency, Alfred Kanngam Arthur regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha Election, when the firing broke out.
Reportedly the firing lasted for approximately a minute, with no reported casualties and displaying remarkable resilience, the public remained undeterred, proceeding with the consultation programme as planned.
Themreishang Awungshi, Officer-in-Charge of the newly created Police Station of LM Block, told a local daily that the gunfire broke out around 12:30 pm, originating from the northern side of the venue.
Despite the alarming situation, swift action from law enforcement personnel, including SDPO Ukhrul, Reserve Line, OC Ukhrul PS, and LM Block Police, along with personnel from 35 Assam Rifles, ensued.
Emerging reports suggest that security arrangements in the meeting were spearheaded by Timothy Maram (MPS), Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Ukhrul, in collaboration with Inspector Chuingam Ningshen, Officer-in-Charge of Ukhrul PS, and LM Block Police.
Additionally, personnel from 35 Assam Rifles and two teams of the Border Security Force (BSF) provided additional security coverage at the venue.
This incident follows a similar occurrence on March 18, when unidentified miscreants disrupted an interaction programme with Arthur at TK Woodland Resort in Shirui by firing multiple gunshots.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has urged the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur and the state government to initiate security protection measures for the candidate contesting the outer constituency of Ukhrul district, following the attacks.
MPCC President K. Meghachandra stated that in light of these incidents, Alfred should be provided security cover by law enforcement agencies as soon as possible, “to safeguard democracy. Otherwise, the rights of citizens, particularly our intending candidate, would be violated.”
As investigations continue into the incidents, concerns regarding the safety and security of public gatherings persist in the district persists.
