Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Feb. 16 (EMN): The National Peoples’ Party (NPP) candidate from 28th Koridang assembly constituency in Mokokchung district T Chalukumba Ao had a close shave with death when an alleged attempt on his life was thwarted by the quick response of his body guard.
Sources from the candidate’s family said that the incident occurred at New Market in Salangtem ward of Mokokchung town at around 5.30 pm when Ao was standing near a shop during his return journey to his village from Impur.
"My brother-in-law was returning back from Impur to our native village as he had gone to attend the special prayer service for all Ao candidates organised by Ao Baptist Churches Conference. While coming back, he had stopped at the shop when an unknown assassin came out of nowhere and pointed a handgun and shot him but luckily, the gun did not fire and at which point his body guard raised his service gun and fired three shots in the air as it was a crowded area. The assassin ran away taking advantage of the melee that occurred," the source said.
It was learned from police sources that the candidate was whisked off to Mokokchung police station-II. Later after ensuring his safety, he was taken to police station-I where he filed a first information report. It was learned that he could safely reach his native village, Chungtia, which is under Koridang assembly constituency.
The NPP has condemned the incident in a statement. “Such act only brings terror and tension in the state and should not be tolerated. The party will thoroughly look into the matter and appeals the high authority to punish the culprits,” it stated.
