Manipur Election 2017: Tensions run high in Khangabok as post-poll violence erupts 

Imphal: Tension runs high in Khangabok Assembly constituency in Thoubal after supporters of BJP and Congress candidates were engaged in a post poll scuffle. Sources said that some unknown persons set on fire the thatched house of a Congress worker Saikhom Sanatomba, 60, of Khangabok part-3 Makha leikai last night at about 9.15 pm. Soon after receiving the news, a team from Thoubal police station and district police commandos rushed to the spot and dispersed the mob by firing tear gas shells and mock bombs. Fire brigade also rushed to the spot and saved the house from further damage. [caption id=“attachment_3325066” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Post poll violence erupts in Khangabok. Picture courtesy: Amukhoma Ngangbam[/caption] Family sources said that Congress worker Sanatomba had a quarrel with some BJP workers while the polling was on at 35/9 poling station of Khangabok Makha leikai on Wednesday, and also pointed fingers at the BJP workers for the attack. Congress candidate Okram Surajkumar aka Kennedy, son of Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, is contesting the seat against BJP candidate Bhim Singh. In the aftermath of the incident, on Thursday morning, a team of Manipur police commando went to Khangabok and started hunting for the men involved in the attack on Congress workers. The cops allegedly vandalized vehicles and furniture of some BJP supporters in 35/9 poling station of Khangabok Makha leikai, who the police team suspected to have been involved in Wednesday night’s violence. The cops also allegedly beat up some BJP workers in the locality. Locals alleged that the cops had looted some money and jewellery items during their raid. A public meeting held at Khangabok condemned the incident while seeking disciplinary action against the cops for allegedly working at the behest of a particular political party in power.