GUWAHATI: In Thamanpokpi, within the Moirang Assembly segment of Manipur, a group of unidentified miscreants fired multiple rounds near a polling station on Friday.
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No casualties were reported as of yet from the incident. However, the gunfire instilled fear and panic among voters who had queued up to cast their votes as the first phase of Lok Sabha polls commenced.
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A circulating 18-second video on social media captures the chaotic scene as people flee the polling booth amidst the sound of gunfire. The footage depicts commotion and shouts preceding two quick shots, followed by a third shot, likely in response to the initial gunfire.
Subsequently, a series of gunshots, possibly from an automatic weapon, echo through the area as the person filming seeks refuge behind a doorway. The exchange of gunfire continues for approximately 10 seconds before ceasing.
The precise constituency where the shots were fired remains unclear, as Manipur consists of two parliamentary seats - Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur.
The polling process for the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat and sections of Outer Manipur unfolded amidst stringent security measures. Ethnic tensions have plagued Manipur over the past year, particularly between the Meiteis, predominantly residing in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribal community.
The Thamnapokpi Upper Primary School, Inner Manipur LS seat is the polling station where firing took place around 8.30/9am while the polling was on. Blank firing (in the air) by unknown miscreants.