Sources said, the five persons, after being tortured and beaten up, were forced to sign on a paper stating that they will not do anything against the Zomi interest in future. They were also warned of “death” if they continue to do so
TFM Desk
Five farmers belonging to Suangphu village, Singngat Sub-division of Churachandpur District were allegedly beaten up by cadres of ZRA on Wednesday between 3-4 pm on their way to paddy fields for allegedly voting against BJP candidate.
The three were injured. They are identified as Mansonkhup (21 years) s/o Manglamkap, Pauminthang (34 years) s/o Thangzasuan, Thangkhankhup (37 years) s/o Chinsuanmang, all residents of Suangphu village situated near the Indo-Myanmar border in Churachandpur district.
Sources said, the five persons were on their way to work to paddy fields when suddenly the ZRA militants allegedly waylaid them and took them to their Muvanlai designated camp near Singngat sub-division headquarters and beat them black and blue.
Sources also said, the five persons, after being tortured and beaten up, were forced to sign on a paper stating that they will not do anything against the Zomi interest in future. They were further warned of “death” if they continue to do so, and even leak this incident to anyone.
When asked about what they did against the “Zomi interest”, the victims answered that they were beaten up just because they supported the KPA party during this election. After the polling was over, their names and particulars allegedly being noted down were targeted by the ZRA. The source stated that supporting a candidate other than Ginsuanhau, the BJP candidate in Singhat AC, is totally against the interest of the ZRA or Zomi.
Sources also reported that the injured persons were taken to Singngat Community Health Centre (CHC) and given first aid treatment. News reporters who visited the Singhat CHC witnessed that the injured farmers were not able to stand up on their feet.
The incident is believed to be the repercussion of the recently held 12th Manipur MLA Election 2022 where first phase of the polling was held on 28th February in some constituencies including 60-Singhat AC. Out of four candidates in the fray, the BJP and KPA candidates were seen to be two heavy weights tussling for poll victory in Singhat AC.