Imphal, March 03, 2022 (PPI-OT):A clash broke out between Congress and BJP workers in Kakching Khunou, ahead of the second phase of elections 2022 in the Indian state of Manipur. 13 vehicles, including 8 two wheelers and 4 wheelers, were damaged during the violence that took place on Wednesday night, Indian media reported.

Congress on Thursday accused the BJP government in Manipur of violating the model code of conduct to influence elections there after around Rs 17 crore was released to banned militant groups which are under suspension of operation agreement. Assembly elections are underway in Manipur and the second phase is slated on March 5. The first phase of polling was held on February 28.

“In a shocking violation of the Model of Conduct the Union Home Ministry and BJP State Government in Manipur released Rs 15.7 crores on 1.2.22 and further Rs 92.7 lakhs on 1.3.22 to banned militant groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO). This has made a mockery of elections in 4 districts!” Ramesh said on Twitter.

Ramesh, who is the senior observer of the Congress for the Manipur elections, also shared a statement that alleged that these payments have ensured that polls in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts in the first phase have not been free, fair and peaceful.

The Congress had earlier accused Indian Home Minister Amit Shah of drafting a statement issued by a proscribed Kuki militant organisation asking the people of Manipur to vote for the BJP, and demanded repoll in two districts alleging that voting was not free and fair in the first phase.

Ramesh claimed that the sporadic incidents of violence reported from Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts during polling were the result of the influence of Kuki National Organisation’s (KNO) statement.

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