Manipur Elections 2017: Manipur Deputy CM’s convoy attacked twice

The convoy of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei (in pic) was attacked twice on its way to Khoupum village in Tamenglong district for a flag-hoisting ceremony. The attack left a Manipur Police commando and a member of the Indian Reserve Batallion injured.

The first attack took place near Namkaolong at around 10.30 am. The second attack took place about 20 minutes later.

The convoy was initially stranded about 5 km away from the venue, for around half an hour. But a while later, Gangmei sped off with additional security and carried out the flag-hoisting ceremony with special arrangements.

The attack is suspected to have been carried out by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland’s Isak-Muivah faction, or NSCN(IM). Gangmei, who belongs to the Rongmei tribe, has been openly critical of the NSCN(IM), alleging that the outfit has carried out hundreds of crimes earlier. He is contesting the elections from the Tamenglong constituency.

A Congress official said that Gangmei’s pro-Meitei image in the midst of the fracas between the ruling Congress and the Naga leaders may have been the reason for the attack. It is also rumoured that a lone bullet was sent to Gangmei in an envelope sometime over the past few days, hidden among donations sent for the party. 

The move, some say, was a clear message of threat.