Chingai MLA escapes assassination bid
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul/Imphal, April 30 2013: A cavalcade of Chingai A/C MLA MK Preshow Shimray and Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (UADC) executive member Horyaola Vashum came under heavy attack when suspected armed cadres of NSCN (IM) laid an ambush on the outskirts of Ukhrul Tuesday afternoon.

Chingai legislator Preshow Shimray and ADC executive member Horyaola Vashum, who was elected from Tolloi ADC constituency, had a providential escape from the 30-minute long ordeal of firing attack.

The incident took place near Kuivakazo, 3km away from the district headquarters, at about 2.45pm while the cavalcade was returning towards Ukhrul from Tolloi village.

In all there were 16 vehicles in the cavalcade comprising 5 Manipur Rifles and 2 Manipur Police.

An official source from the side of the MLA said that militants first exploded a bomb and then fired several rounds of gunshot against the escort party of MLA and ADC executive member.

The security escort personnel also retaliated the firing and exchange of fire lasted for about 30 minutes.

Security personnel looking up to see possible presence of the attackers among the bushes

Police said the bomb exploded behind the armoured security vehicle.

MLA Preshow Shimray was travelling in a car behind three escort vehicles.

However, no human casualty was reported on both sides, though some vehicles of the escort party were reportedly suffered slight damages in the incident.

According to security personnel attached to the Chingai legislator, a white coloured Bolero jeep was seen speeding away from the road just after the encounter.

Though police are tight-lipped on the possible involvement of any militant group, official authorities, however, did not rule out the possible involvement of NSCN (IM).

In fact, Ukhrul district is the stronghold of NSCN (IM) even though there are other several splinter armed groups operating in the region.

Sources said that Congress MLA had gone to attend a programme organised by Ukhrul Block Congress Committee at Ukhrul Mini Secretariat to commemorate completion of one year of his tenure yesterday.

The MLA halted the night there and proceeded to Tolloi village this morning to inaugurate a handloom mela there.

However, when he reached the place around 11.45 am, the villagers told him that the programme had been postponed following objection by NSCN (IM).

So, the MLA interacted with the village elders there and returned back to Ukhrul for Imphal when the incident of ambush happened.

"I had a providential escape from the armed attack," MLA Preshow Shimray told newsmen just before departing Ukhrul for Imphal later in the afternoon.

It may be recalled here that in 2011, Phungyar MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing was ambushed between Riha and New Canaan village under Ukhrul district by armed cadres of NSCN (IM).

He too had a providential escape but three escort personnel lost their lives.