Manipur Congress’s election campaigns in Ukhrul marred by armed confrontations

IMPHAL: Election campaigns for the Congress candidate in Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency, faced armed opposition for the second consecutive day in Ukhrul district of Manipur that shares border with Myanmar on Tuesday (March 19).

According to officials, gunfire exchanges erupted between security forces and alleged anti-social elements as the election meeting and campaigns commenced at a hall in Tuinem village of Ukhrul district of Manipur on Tuesday (March 19) afternoon.

Alfred Kanngam Arthu, former MLA of the Ukhrul assembly constituency in Manipur, is contesting as a Congress candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections representing Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency, slated for polling on April 26.

Gunfire sounds were heard near the meeting hall in Tuinem village at around 1:30 pm on Tuesday (March 19), shortly after the meeting and campaigns commenced.

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Personnel of both Border Security Force (BSF) and Manipur police in Ukhrul retaliated with gunfire, but no casualties were reported on either side, according to police officials.

This incident marks the second such occurrence in less than 24 hours.

On Monday (March 18), during the election meeting and campaigns at TK Woodland Resort in Ukhrul district, gunfire erupted from unidentified miscreants.

Security forces also responded with gunfire. However, no injuries were reported in the incident.