Recent attacks will not affect poll prospects: Ibobi

IMPHAL, March 17 : Manipur Congress top brasses today huddled over in a meeting to discuss the series of attacks on its workers by unidentified gunmen. The meeting chaired by the MPCC chief Gaikhangam was attended by the chief minister and several of his Cabinet ministers.

Chief minister Mr Okram Ibobi said that threats from militants will not affect the Congress prospect in the Lok Sabha election in any way. He said the meeting was to discuss the Congress(I) strategy for the upcoming election.

His sentiment was also echoed by party chief Mr Gaikhangam. "All possible measures will be taken to protect our workers and these threats will not have any effect on the poll prospect of the Congress (I)," he said.

Earlier this week, when the entire population was celebrating Holi, unidentified gunmen, who claimed to be members of armed group KCP (MC), attacked the Bishnupur District Congress Committee President, injuring him seriously. Gunmen also attacked the residence of Youth Congress president Ms Tilotama.

At least three bullets were fired at her residence but no one was injured.

Militants had also lobbed hand grenades at the district offices of Thoubal and Nambol and Nongmeibung in Imphal.

The ruling Congress is under threat from several armed groups including the Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Council), People's Revolutionary party of Kangleipak.

The chief minister had recently submitted a list of candidates for the inner and outer seats to the AICC. The chief minister is reported to have favored Singjamei AC MLA Mr I Hemochandra against the sitting MP Dr Th Meina Singh.