Thaindian News

Imphal, Jan 23 (IANS) Fear and panic has spread among both voters and politicians in election-bound northeastern state of Manipur as separatists stepped up offensive by triggering three powerful explosions in the past fortnight.

The latest attack came late Sunday when a powerful improvised explosive device - a crude bomb - went off just outside the residence of Assembly Speaker and Congress party candidate I. Hemochandra Singh on the outskirts of Imphal. One person was killed and three others were injured in the explosion.

“I appeal to anyone indulging in such acts not to do such things that cause human tragedy,” Singh said Monday.

“It is not possible to provide security for 24 hours and hence my appeal to all of them to rethink before doing such acts like explosions,” said Singh, the speaker in the outgoing Manipur state assembly.

Campaigning for the Jan 28 elections to the 60-member assembly has been at its lowest ebb as most of the candidates, fearing militant attacks, have resorted to door-to-door campaigning and small street corner meetings to woo voters.

Seven militant groups, including the outlawed United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Republic of Kangleipak (PREPAK), have called for a ban on all election meetings and campaigning by the Congress candidates in the state.

An e-mailed statement signed by seven militant groups warned of dire consequences if their diktat was violated.

Militant groups in past elections as well targeted the Congress candidates and other politicians and issued similar warnings.

There are more than 20 rebel armies active in Manipur, a state bordering Myanmar, with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy for the state.

“There is a sense of fear and hence even if political parties are holding meetings, people by and large refrain from attending such rallies,” said Bijoy Singh, a local businessman.

“You don’t feel the state is going to the polls in just five days as there is no wave and no political activities. People are by and large scared to venture out considering the frequent explosions,” said Rama Devi, a school teacher in Imphal.

An estimated 1.75 million voters would decide the fate of 279 candidates, including 14 women aspirants.

Counting of votes would be taken up on March 6 along with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarkhand and Goa which are also going to polls in January and February.