Imphal, Jan 12: Attacks on Congress candidates and party workers by insurgents were continuing in Manipur since the past fortnight despite adequate security and an appeal to the candidates not to campaign for the January 28 assembly polls in the late evening hours.
Official reports said insurgents lobbed grenades at the house of Congress candidate from Langthabal assembly constituency W Shyama in Imphal East district besides hurling explosives at party works at Haobam Marak, Sagolband, Keisampat (all in the same district) and at Nambol in Bishenpur district late last night.
No casualty was, however, reported.
The reports said Congress was facing the ire of the insurgents as they felt that the party was against their “revolutionary movement”.
Coordination committee (CORCOM) of seven major insurgent organisations—United National Liberation Front, People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, Kanglei Yawol Kann Lup, United People's Party of Kangleipak and Revolutionary People's Front—all waging an armed struggle for an “independent Manipur” had imposed a ban on Congress candidates and party workers, the reports said.
Insurgents have been attacking party candidates and workers for the past two weeks by exploding grenades and opening fire particularly in the four valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishenpur, the reports said.
No casualty was, however, reported in the incidents. Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had told a recent party meeting, “They (insurgents) may create some sort of panic outwardly but voters will not accept their challenge”.
Official sources said adequate security was being provided to all the candidates irrespective of party affiliation.
