From Daiaphira Kharsati
DANGAR (MAWSYNRAM): Congress leaders in Mawsynram constituency admitted that the two assailants who stabbed Kynpham Sing Syiem are Congress supporters but asserted that the attack was not an outcome of political rivalry but personal enmity.
Pusterwell Disiar and Kyllang Thongni attacked Kynpham with sharp weapons on Wednesday night following which Kynpham had to be hospitalised.
President of Mawsynram Block Congress Committee Khelor Sing Kharnaior condemned the statement of KHADC chief executive member PN Syiem who blamed the Congress for the attack on his brother.
Speaking to reporters, Kharnaior downplayed the political rivalry angle but maintained that election candidates are competitive and “it must have been their personal issues”.
Asked on action taken by the block committee of the party, Kharnaior chose to keep a safe distance and reiterated that the attack was for personal issue and nothing else can be done.
Kynpham was stabbed by assailants on Wednesday night at Dangar border in Mawsynram.
Meanwhile, Kansing Lynshiang, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee delegate, slammed PN Syiem for using the incident to fuel political rivalry.
Similarly, Congress president of Dangar area T. Nongsiej maintained that the issue of political rivalry does not arise as the Congress has not even announced the names of candidates.
However, all the local Congress leaders said they have cautioned their supporters not to resort to any poll violence.
Meanwhile, Daniel Wahlang, coordinator of the border area, condemned the incident and wished for the speedy recovery of Kynpham.
The headman of Dangar, Slandingwell P. Syiemlieh, said, “Looking at the situation, it can be attributed to political rivalry because Pham (Kynpham) was working hard for his brother (PN Syiem).”
PN Syiem, who is the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) candidate from Mawsynram constituency, has spoken to Meghalaya DGP S B Singh on the need to have proper probe into the assault of his brother.
Syiem resigned from the Congress and
joined PDF recently and the national party is projecting former bureaucrat HM Shangpliang as its candidate from Mawsynram.
Headman Syiemlieh added that the Dangar village will cooperate with the police. So far there is only a verbal complaint.
He claimed that chaos during election does not take place at Dangar but in the adjoining areas.
Cops on manhunt
Police have not made any arrests though the three accused identified by them are absconding. They have intensified investigation to arrest the trio.
Speaking to reporters here on Friday, SP (City) Spill Thamar said the investigating officer on Thursday night conducted raids in different places and police are engaging all sources to trace the accused.
As per the FIR, three persons were involved in the stabbing but relatives say only two were involved.
The condition of the victim is critical and police will question him once he is discharged from the hospital.
The police official said they were yet to ascertain whether it was for political rivalry. A special operation team has been sent to the area to keep a tab on the situation. Officers have been asked to ensure that the area remains peaceful.
A case has been registered under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).
(With inputs from Shillong bureau)