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Six injured in poll-related violence at Yairipok Yambem

File Photo: A man brandishing a gun during a poll related violence at Yairipok Yambem recently
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With just a few months away from the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election scheduled for early next year, the campaign has reached a feverish pitch in some assembly segments.

TFM Desk

With just a few months away from the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election, the campaign has reached a feverish pitch in some assembly constituencies. And along with it, poll-related violences have been reported in the last couple of days. 

At least six persons were injured on Monday with three of them sustaining gunshot wounds at Yairipok Yambem Andro assembly constituency. 

The incident occured when supporters of Lourembam Sanjoy, an intending candidate, after having a feast at Yambem Laimang Community Hall took out a rally towards Yambem Makha Leikai for a public meeting. The supporters of former minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar were also holding a meeting at his residence. 

When scuffle broke out between the two groups, some supporters of Th Shyamkumar allegedly fired towards the other group, according to sources. The injured were rushed to Yairipok Primary Health Centre and later referred to JNIMS. 

United Progressive Andro vice president L Khomdon told reporters that the firing occurred in front of the police personnel in the area. He alleged that the violence was instigated by Sarungbam Bimol, a worker of Th Shyamkumar. He should be arrested to maintain peace in Yambem, said Khomdon. 

Widely considered as a strongman of Th Shyamkumar, L Sanjoy has been preparing to contest in state general election for quite some time. Tensions have been brewing in Yambem and minor scuffles between the supporters of the two have been reported in the last couple of months. 

Meanwhile, poll-related violence were also reported from Wangjing-Tentha AC. A large number of workers of BJP MLA Paonam Brojen attacked the residence of Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC) state coordinator Usham Manglem, who is also an intending candidate. 

The BJP workers reportedly fired several rounds towards the residence of Manglem at Kairembikhok Awang Leikai. Some of his workers were injured. 

On the other hand, clashes broke out between workers of BJP MLA and speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y Khemchand and NPP intending candidate O Romen on Saturday. 

The violence ensued as workers of NPP were preparing for the inauguration of Singjamei block office of the party. As disagreement over planting flags along the road broke out, the two sides resorted to fist fight and stone pelting. Some NPP workers were injured during the violence. 

The escalating poll related violence has worried many in the state fearing even loss of life. Some minor incidents occurred in past elections as well, but the liberal use of guns has alarmed many observers. 

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