Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, the All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) observer for Manipur, on Thursday condemned the attack on Congress workers on February 14 at the Saikul Assembly constituency. The Congress party’s candidate Lemkim Haokip was hoisting her election flag at her residence when the attacks began.
Talking to reporters in Imphal, Mr. Ramesh said, “It was well planned by the Chief Minister N. Biren and some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. The BJP leaders must have understood that the ruling BJP cannot retain power after the forthcoming elections. Tyres were flattened and people were attacked by pelting stones. Such incidents were reported from at least six Assembly constituencies.”
Manipur’s Chief Election Officer had been been informed of the attacks in writing, Mr. Ramesh said. He also requested the deployment of Central paramilitary personnel such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) by replacing State forces.
