Imphal, February 12: A large number of womenfolks staged a Wakat Meepham at Mayang Imphal Bazar today in protest against the last night�s twin incidents of firing by unidentified gunmen at the office of Mayang Imphal Block Congress Committee as well as at the Mayang Imphal Konchak Mamang Leikai residence of one Bor Singh where a polling station of an INC candidate is being opened.

There was no report of any human casualty in the twin incident of firing, but the protestors strongly condemned such violence incident of causing fear and apprehension in the minds of the people living in the area.

They also demanded to know the identity of the individuals or the organisations responsible for the firing.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Lok Sabha MP T Meinya have also reportedly come to inquire about the incident this afternoon.

The protest demonstration began from 1 pm and continued till 4 pm and the protestors used placards with slogans like �Stop firing in public places�, �Those responsible for the act should come out with explanation�, �We want peace�, �Stop gun culture and give way to a peaceful society�, etc.

Talking to mediapersons in connection with the last night�s firing incidents this afternoon, president of Mayang Imphal Block Congress Committee president Ningthoujam Nilmani said though no one was injured in the firing, tube lights and bulbs of the office were smashed and the ceiling of the office damaged.

Such incidents of violence deserved strongest condemnation, he said.

Nilmani said possibility of involvement of political hands behind the incident could not be ruled out.

So to ensure free and fair conduct of the ensuing election, he appealed to all concerned to refrain from committing such acts of violence and intimidation which might cause fear and panic among the people.

A case has also been registered with the police in connection with the last night�s incidents, he informed.

INC candidate from Mayang Imphal AC Ratankumar said last night�s twin incidents of firing by unidentified gunmen at the block office of the party as well as the residence of Bor Singh should not be taken lightly and viewed as an attempt to scuttle the democratic rights of the people to elect their representatives.