ITANAGAR: In the midst of the election fervour gripping Arunachal Pradesh, incidents of pre-poll violence have rattled the state.
Over the past 48 hours, two separate instances of violence have marred the election campaigning in different parts of the state.
The latest incident occurred in Tirap district on Monday, where clashes erupted between supporters of the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leaving at least 10 people injured.
Among the injured, two individuals sustained serious injuries and have been admitted to a hospital in Assam’s Dibrugarh for treatment.
The confrontation occurred at Dadam village under the Khonsa West Assembly constituency.
Both parties have reportedly filed FIRs against each other in connection with the incident.
Reacting to the escalating violence, Deputy Commissioner Ira Singhal has called for a meeting with the contesting candidates, Tangse Tekwa of the Congress and Chakat Aboh of the BJP, to address the situation and ensure law and order in the district leading up to the Lok Sabha Polls.
In another incident on Sunday night, Likha Saaya, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state president and candidate for the Namsai seat, was allegedly attacked by unidentified miscreants at Piyong Village.
Saaya was reportedly on a campaign trail when the assailants launched the attack near Yhome circle under the Namsai Police Station.
Stones were pelted, and anti-NCP slogans were shouted during the altercation.
Although no injuries were reported, several vehicles were damaged in the attack.
This surge in violence follows a previous incident on March 29, when tensions flared outside the DC Office in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district.
Violence erupted after the nomination of a National People’s Party (NPP) candidate was rejected.
Amidst the chaos, a senior police officer sustained injuries, and two police vehicles were damaged as supporters of the disqualified candidate vented their fury.
Police had to resort to firing in the air to disperse the agitated crowd and restore order.
With the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state drawing closer, concerns over the escalation of violence loom large, highlighting the need for swift and decisive action to maintain law and order across the state.
