BTC Polls: UPPL – BPF supporters clash in Chirang amid second phase of voting in Chirang; police resort to firing

Chirang: A scuffle between supporters of United People's Party (Liberal) (UPPL) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) took place at Chirang's Duttapur while voting was underway for the second phase of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections on Thursday. The situation turned violent forcing the security personnel to open fire to disperse the agitated crowd.

There have been no reports of any injuries so far.

The violence between the supporters of UPPL and BPF took place after Promod Boro, president of United People's Party (Liberal) (UPPL) was allegedly attacked by miscreants at Naigaon area of Kokrajhar.

Soon after the incident, Boro had requested Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and district administrations to ensure tight security in place and deployment of additional forces to ensure smooth and peaceful voting in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts.

Speaking to media after the incident yesterday, Boro had said that Doneswar Gayari the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) candidate for the No 11 Baokhungri constituency was involved in the incident and directly accused the BPF for the attack on him.

"Some people suddenly came charging at us as we were crossing the Naigaon area. These people came out from the BPF camp and started attacking us with stones. My cars have been damaged. Many of my people sustained injuries. I did not let my security officers open fire. Doneswar Gayari the candidate from the area is involved in the attack," Promod Boro told media people.

UPPL has filed a FIR regarding the attack on Boro.

Voting for 19 seats are being held in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts. BTC has total 40 seats. Polling for 21 seats were held on December 7 in Udalguri and Baksa dstricts. Fate of 130 candidates have already been sealed in the voting held on Monday. The voting percentage in phase I was 77 per cent.

BTC polls were earlier scheduled to be held in April but had to be postponed till December due to COVID situation. BPF has been ruling the BTR as it has won the BTC polls for three consecutive terms.

The counting will take place on December 12.

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