IT News
Imphal, Feb 24:
Earlier pre-poll violence occurred in the state never reflected communal politics in the poll-bound state of Manipur, however, for the first time, a member of a family belonging to a minority community in Keirao Assembly constituency was allegedly shot at the thigh by a supporter of NPP candidate belonging to the minority community for supporting BJP candidate belonging to another community at the same assembly constituency. The supporters of the NPP candidate also allegedly thrashed the sister of the injured victim using a brick.
Sahauddin who was shot in the thigh was undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity Hospital.
The incident happened at around 8.30 pm yesterday at Kiyamgei Taphok Makha in Keirao Assembly constituency. Family members told Imphal Times that Sahauddin was hit by the bullet while trying to protect one of his brothers identified as Kh. Masiruddin, after one Rakiuddin, son of late Tomba along with a large number of his friends stopped their vehicle and shot at them. According to the family members of Sahauddin, Rakiuddin the person who shot Sahauddin is serving in the Commando Unit of Thoubal Police. The incident happened when Sahauddin along with his three younger brothers were returning after they failed to find their ailing aunty, Sophia wife of Mosiruddin said.
“The vehicle was also dismantled by around 100 people who are supporters of NPP candidate Md. Nasiruddin Khan, besides taking away cell phone, Jacket and Purse containing around Rs. 10,000/- from my husband, however, he managed to escape from the attack”, 33 years old Sophia told Imphal Times.
On asking why they were attacked, Sophia said that since the past few days those supporters have been intimidating them of serious consequences if they support BJP candidate , Lourembam Rameshwor, instead of supporting the Muslim candidate Md. Nasiruddin Khan of NPP.
“Our family supports Lourembam Rameshwor because we were friends for a long time and we trust him even though he belongs to Meitei”, Sophia said and added that we are one and we have been living as brothers and sisters no matter, we follow different religions.
Sophia also names some of the attackers who allegedly threatened them to stop supporting BJP candidates.
