Many Muslim voters were reportedly injured and stopped from casting vote during an alleged clash that occurred between groups in Uttarakhand’s Manglaur during the by- election voting on Wednesday.
In a 17 sec video that made rounds all over the social media, many Muslims, Including the elderly man are seen being attacked, with blood stains on their shirts. Meanwhile, many allege that they were stopped from voting.
Manglaur Congress candidate Qazi Nizamuddin claimed that miscreants were openly firing, however, police have stated that there is currently no confirmation of gunfire.
“Bullets Were Fired, It is a Murder of Democracy”
Commenting on the incident, former Uttarakhand CM and Congress leader Harish Rawat has described the scene of fire, injury and how “weak people, voters of congress” were stop from voting
“Bullets were fired to stop weak people, voters of Congress. People have been injured. Our candidate Qazi Nizamuddin staked his life to send them to hospital. Such kind of incidents are also being reported from other places. Congress voters are being intimidated, stopped from reaching the booths. It is murder of democracy and worrying. I urge people to support us in saving the democracy. People want to vote but are intimidated. It is a very serious situation,” said former Uttarakhand CM and Congress leader Harish Rawat
“No Confirmation on Bullet Firing”
Meanwhile, SP Rural Swapan Kishore Singh said to PTI news agency that the situation is normal here and the voting is happening peacefully.
” Enough police force has been deployed. We received information about a controversy and that is why we are here. There is no confirmation on bullet firing yet. We are trying to bring normalcy,” he said.
The Manglaur bypoll took place due to the death of sitting BSP MLA Sarwat Karim Ansari in October last year. In Manglaur the BSP has nominated Ansari’s son Ubedur Rehman,who is competing against congress candidate Qazi Nizamuddin. The other contestant Kartar Singh from BJP , Gujjar leader is also contesting.
