In a poll-related violence, office of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidate—Kapudang Ramshang, located under Kamjong sub-division, Ukhrul district was damaged on Wednesday night after Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) reportedly lobbed a grenade inside the premises.
This would be Ramshang’s maiden election for the upcoming Manipur’s Autonomous District Council (ADC) as an NPF candidate. He originally belongs to K Langlee village and currently residing at Kamjong headquarters. A portion of the office being run by NPF candidate Kapudang Ramshang including the roof was destroyed by the impact of the blast that occurred at around 6 p.m.
Police suspect the blast caused by a hand grenade. No casualty was reported as the blast took place soon after the office closed down for the day. A source close to the candidate said that there was no threat or any kind of warning to him from any person or group.
Meanwhile, Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) Thursday owned up the blast that destroyed parts of an election office of the NPF candidate in interior Ukhrul district on Wednesday night. In a statement issued by MNRF assistant secretary, Thomas Numai, Thursday said that the blast was triggered by its cadres while clarifying that it was not meant for frightening public. The statement alleged that NPF instead of working as a political party was creating obstructions to the development activities in Naga dominated areas by working in the interest of the NSCN (I-M).
Numai also accused the party (NPF) of indulging in various forms of crimes during every election in Naga dominated areas of the state. The blast has been triggered with a warning to stop frightening the people, MNRF said in the lengthy release.
It may be mentioned that the union minister of state for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju was in Manipur Monday on a two-day visit to campaign for the party. He also reviewed the law and order situation ahead of the ADC polls slated for June 1. The six ADCs in the five hill districts have 144 seats.
( Courtesy NP)
