As a prelude to 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Manipur, the first gunshots were heard in Ukhrul town on Monday during a voter interaction programme.

Former MLA Alfred Kanngam Arthur of Ukhrul assembly constituency is tipped to be the official Congress candidate from Outer Manipur constituency, according to reliable sources.

He won the 11th Manipur Assembly Election from Ukhrul and was defeated by Ram Muivah of Naga Peoples Front (NPF) in 2022 elections.

As intending candidate Alfred Kanngam Arthur was attending a voter interaction programme on Monday, unknown miscreants fired more than 20 rounds of gunshots nearby.

The interaction programme was organised by the congress workers of Alfred at Phangrei, which is 21 kms east from Ukhrul Police station.

The gunshots were fired from the western side at around 2.15 pm as Alfred was starting to give his speech at the interaction programme.

Ukhrul district police who were on duty at the programme also retaliated to the gunshots by firing more than 100 rounds.

The miscreants stopped their firing after police personnels retaliated to their firing.

Alfred Kanngam Arthur reached TK Woodland after the interaction programme concluded at 3 pm.

Another interaction programme will be held again at LM Block Tuinem on Tuesday, sources said.

The firing incident is the first untoward incident in the state regarding the upcoming MP election.