India

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Sound of gunfire exchange near polling booth in Manipur

Gunfire erupted near a polling station in Manipur today, as captured in a 25-second video circulating online. The footage depicts chaos and people shouting before two rapid shots are heard. A third shot follows, possibly in response to the initial gunfire. Subsequently, a series of gunshots, potentially from an automatic weapon, is heard, prompting the person filming to take cover behind a doorway. The exchange of gunfire continues for about 10 seconds before ceasing.

The location of the incident, whether in Inner Manipur or Outer Manipur constituency, remains unclear. In the 2019 election, the BJP’s Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh clinched victory in the Inner seat, while the Outer seat, reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates, was won by Naga People’s Front leader Kachui Timothy Zimik, who is contesting again with the backing of the BJP’s ally, the NPF.

Manipur has grappled with sporadic violence since May last year, stemming from clashes between ethnic communities that resulted in numerous casualties and displacements. Consequently, stringent security measures have been implemented for the initial phase of the two-part elections in the state. Fifteen of Outer Manipur’s 28 Assembly segments are scheduled to vote on April 26.

To accommodate displaced voters, special polling stations have been established, with 22 in Churachandpur district and 24 in Kangpokpi, according to officials.

Expressing confidence in the electoral outcome, Chief Minister N Biren Singh remarked, “I am fully confident both Manipur seats will definitely elect a BJP government at the centre. Yes, Manipur is facing a troubled time but, in the last four-five months peace was restored and that is why we are holding an election.”

Nisha Srivastava

Nisha Srivastava is an influential blog writer and content editor associated with The Daily Guardian, with over 10 years of experience in writing.

Recent Posts

Cristiano Ronaldo Set To Extend Saudi Arabia Stay Becomes Co-Owner Of Al Nassr: Report

Cristiano Ronaldo’s new contract with Al Nassr will not only keep him at the club…

22 minutes ago

Missi Roti Sparks Global Debate After Being Ranked Among World’s Worst Foods

Missi Roti, a nutritious Indian flatbread, ranks 56th on Taste Atlas' 'worst foods' list, causing…

35 minutes ago

South Africa’s Illegal Gold Mine Crackdown Kills 78, Hundreds Rescued

South African authorities rescued 246 survivors and recovered 78 bodies from an illegal gold mine.…

55 minutes ago

Micheal Martin Set To Lead Ireland Again As Prime Minister In New Coalition Deal

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is set to reclaim Ireland’s premiership under a new coalition…

1 hour ago

Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Fired Over Viral Twerking Video: Controversy Erupts

Nelle Diala's viral twerking video led to her firing from Alaska Airlines. Defending her actions…

1 hour ago

Israel Dispatches Experts to Aid in Battling Los Angeles Wildfires

Israel has sent a team of five fire protection experts to assist in combating the…

1 hour ago