The Nationalist Congress Party has reiterated that it would go ahead with electioneering for its candidate for the reserved seat notwithstanding the assassination threats from an underground organisation. Many workers are worried as there were attacks against the candidate Chongkhokai Doungel.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei reviewed Mr. Doungel’s security coverage. Sources said that adequate security coverage will be given to him in addition to the usual seven paramilitary personnel.
There have been several assassination attempts on Mr. Doungel in the past. He was once hit in the leg and walks with a limp. In the last known attack, the militants sent a “cake” on Doungel’s wife’s birthday. When the family opened the packet, a powerful bomb exploded, blinding the wife.
In this backdrop the government is not taking the reported threat to the lives of Doungel and other politicians supporting his candidacy lightly.
Ibomcha Laisom, the lone NCP MLA in Manipur disclosed that the militant outfit had sent two SMS to Doungel telling him that if he does not withdraw his candidature he would be attacked. Another threatening message was sent to Shantakumar Khetrimayum of CPI(M) who is the convener of the Left and Secular Alliance (LSA) telling him that the LSA should not support Doungel.
Nara Moirangthem, the LSA candidate for the Inner Manipur constituency got a phone call from a person claiming to be a cadre of this outfit. He reportedly asked Moirangthem not to support Doungel. If it is ignored he would be gunned down. Manihar Goswami, the representative of the Janata Dal (Secular) was also warned similarly.
Talking to reporters on Tuesday the leaders of the constituent parties of the LSA said they suspected the hands of the leaders of the Janata Dal (United) in these new threats. They also said that the LSA is very much alive and kicking and denied and ridiculed the statement of Tombi M, the JD(U) president that the LSA was dissolved.
The JD(U) had pulled out of the LSA protesting against the support given to Doungel on the ground that the NCP is not a constituent party of the Alliance.
Because of the threats and bloodshed in the past the Election Commission of India had ordered two day polling in Manipur for the two seats. The polling will be held on March 9 and 17 so that all available police and paramilitary personnel could be pressed into service.
