Friday, February 29, 2008

Two die as rival supporters clash in Tuli

Two persons died as rival party supporters clashed at Tzudikong in Tuli assembly segment of Mokokchung district, barely a week ahead of assembly elections in Nagaland, with political parties alleging involvement of underground elements in such incidents.

Supporters of the NPF and independent candidate in Tuli exchanged fire during a clash over campaigning in the area on Wednesday, official sources said.

Two persons died of gunshot wounds but their exact affiliation was not known.

While Temjen Jamir was the NPF contestant, he was pitted against independent candidate T Tali in Tuli seat.

The incident was among the series of poll related violence in the area since November when two persons had died.

Although pre-poll violence involving supporters of contestants were confined to Mokokchung district for past two weeks, sporadic instances of threats, intimidation and clashes were also reported in other parts of Nagaland with parties trading charges of involvement of underground elements.

Leaders of different underground groups, however, have declared non-interference in the elections.

Meanwhile, in stepped up vigil, Assam Rifles increased patrolling, established check points and conducted frisking of vehicles all over the state, AR sources said.

The paramilitary personnel during the raids recovered large amounts of money, including Rs 16 lakh, during searches of vehicles. The identity of the occupants was not known.

Meghalaya minister's brother arrested

The brother of a minister in Meghalaya has been arrested on charges of attacking the convoy of an independent candidate at Phulbari in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills District, police said on Thursday.

The police said Rohibul Islam Sarkar, brother of Agriculture and Irrigation minister of Congress party Manirul Islam Sarkar, was arrested on Wednesday for attacking a convoy of independent candidate of Phulbari constituency, Tahel Mondol.

Rohibul was absconding since the attack, police officers said.

The incident took place during the visit of Union Minister Sharad Pawar to the district last week.

A local court sent Rohibul to judicial custody. The police said he would be in custody till the election were over.

Meanwhile, in another incident, unidentified gunmen shot at a person at Mukroh in Nartiang constituency of Jaintia Hills District on Wednesday. The man, Ian Shadap, was admitted to the hospital with bullet injuries on cheek and fingers.