Manipur: Congress candidate Bimol Akoijam threatened by armed miscreants, second time in a month

Congress Candidate for Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam once again found himself amidst chaos as armed miscreants disrupted his election meeting on April 16 at Kumbi Khuga Leikai in Bishnupur district. This marks the second occasion where Dr. Akoijam's public gathering was marred by gunshots.

The incident, occurring at approximately 3:45 PM, follows a similar disruption during Dr. Akoijam's meeting in Moirang last week. Expressing his dismay and frustration, Dr. Akoijam disclosed the extent of the threats he faces, including personal attacks on his family. "They even came to my house and threatened me," he said.

Akoijam said, 'I'm the only candidate which has been targeted like this.'

Detailing the coercion he faced, Akoijam said, 'They have come home with guns and all. Call me to come to some place. And I was told by some other people already that I shouldn't go.' Despite the pressures to withdraw from the election, Akoijam opted to go underground.

Expressing his frustration with the prevailing chaos in the state's politics, Akoijam urged for a departure from the divisive tactics employed by certain factions. 'Clean up some of these politics and go beyond this dirty politics and the kind of chaos that we have in this state,' he said.

Furthermore, Akoijam highlighted the concerted efforts to stifle his campaign, including the cancellation of his meeting permissions by officials despite their issuance. 'There is a concerted effort to scuttle my voice in,' he said.

Akoijam remained determined in his commitment to effect change. 'My decisions to contest the election...I wanted to change,' he said.

What's particularly concerning is that Dr. Akoijam perceives the threat not from external elements but from within his own community. "At present, I have no fear that Kuki and non-Manipuris will attack me, but it is from the people of my own community who have been threatening me," he said.

Dr. Akoijam's ordeal is not an isolated case. Alfred Kanngam Arthur, the Congress candidate for the Outer seat, has also faced similar disruptions during his public meetings.