Manipur Congress Urges Deployment of Central Armed Forces Following Gunfire Incident

The Manipur Congress has issued a fervent appeal for the deployment of central armed forces in valley regions, following a distressing incident of gunfire during a public meeting in Moirang on April 12.

The unfortunate occurrence transpired around 3:30 p.m. during an election-related public interaction program at Phairenbam Mandop in Phairenbam Leikai, P.S. Moirang under Moirang A/C. The gathering, under the stewardship of P. Sharatchandra Singh (Retd. IAS and Ex-MLA), was convened for the visit of the Congress Party Candidate for the 1-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.

Approximately 400 to 500 attendees were present when the sudden attack unfolded. Unidentified assailants fired 5/6 gunshots at the crowd, instigating chaos and prompting attendees to scatter in fear. The perpetrators also issued threats to both organizers and attendees, compelling an abrupt dispersal of the assembly, effectively disrupting the scheduled meeting.

Among the leaders en route to partake in the Election Interaction Programme were Girish Chodankar (AICC In-charge Manipur), K. Meghachandra (MLA and President, MPCC), O. Ibobi Singh (MLA & Ex-Chief Minister and CLP Leader, Manipur), K. Ranjit Singh (MLA and Dy. CLP Leader), Th. Lokeshwar Singh (MLA and Party Chief Whip), Anil Tan (Minority In-charge, AICC), Rajesh Sethi (Minority In-charge, AICC), and Angomcha Bimol Akoijam (INC Candidate, 1-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency).

In response to these alarming events, the Manipur Congress Party has called for stringent legal action against the perpetrators and immediate implementation of security measures, including the deployment of central armed police personnel, across all valley areas of Manipur. With the imminent election, concerns have been raised regarding potential violence, prompting urgent measures to safeguard voters and candidates, ensuring justice and safety for all.