Gunmen fire at Andro Samata candidate's house

Imphal, February 08: Despite enhanced security measures, the armed attacks on candidates contesting in the forthcoming elections and their supporters continue unabated. Unidentified gunmen last night fired over 90 rounds of ammunition at the house of the Samata Party candidate contesting in 7 Andro Assembly constituency, Sahid Ahmed, causing damage to the walls and roofs of the house but fortunately, no casualties. According to reports around 10 unidentified gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons fired upon Sahid Ahmed's house, located at Yairipok, near Azad High School at around 9:15 pm from two sides. The report said the armed gunmen escaped after about ten minutes after the MR escorts provided to the candidate returned fire. Sahid Ahmed was inside his house along with confidants at the time of the attack, but escaped unscathed. The walls and ceilings of his house however bore several bullet holes. Immediately following the incident additional security reinforcements, including Army troops rushed in, but the attackers could not be traced. An FIR has been lodged at Yairipok police station in this connection. A total of six candidates are contesting in Andro constituency. The attack on the Samata Party candidate was the first of its kind in the constituency.