The Congress Party on Thursday strongly condemned the assault on the workers and son of party candidate of Saikul AC, Lhingkim Haokip, allegedly by local club members of Koireingei during the candidate's flag hoisting programme at her residence in Koirengei, Imphal East.
Election secretary of the candidate, Miller Ningshim, told mediapersons that a mob, disguised as locals club members of Koreingei, violently obstructed the son and workers and intimidated them by removing of flags, threat to property of the candidate, stone-pelting, vandalization in the run-up to and during the flag-hoisting ceremony on February 14 at the candidate's residence situated two km away from the residence of Chief Minister N Biren.
No action was taken by the police for almost two hours, where the Congress leaders and its workers were held hostage without being able to safely leave the location, he added. He also alleged that one of the persons who was involved in the intimidation claimed himself to be the OSD of the chief minister.
Lhingkim said such an ugly attack during a flag hoisting programme of a candidate is the first of is kind in the state.
"As a woman candidate I strongly oppossed such election related violence," she said, adding, "Please do not repeat such act in the future. Let's fight the election in a peaceful manner."
Following the incident and 13 other incidents of pre-poll violence, the Congress party had lodged a complaint to the CEO, Manipur, seeking his office intervention.
Meanwhile, three workers of JD-U candidate of Kangpokpi assembly constituency Soshim Gurung were physically assaulted allegedly by suspected Kuki militants with arms on Wednesday night, as per sources.
The workers, namely Damar Dahal, Sushil Khatiwoda and Deepesh Bhudhathokhi from Kalapahar sustained injuries during the alleged attack. They were allegedly struck by the butts of firearms during the assault. They were admitted to Raj Medicity for treatment and later discharged.
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