Dimapur, September 29 (MExN): Sitting Congress MLA Yankithung Yanthan today escaped a bid on his life, when a grenade lobbed at him by “a culprit” failed to explode. The accused has been identified as one Yanbemo Shitiri of Tsungiki village under Wokha district. The incident took place around 9:20 pm at the MLA’s private residence at Blue Hill colony, Wokha town.
Sources from the MLA’s household said, Shitiri came to Yanthan’s residence when the latter was in conference with some people. The person is said to have entered the legislator’s residence declaring that he was a party supporter. The MLA’s household informed that the accused asked the legislator for a private “discussion.” Then without any apparent warning, the accused lobbed a hand-grenade at the legislator. However, the grenade failed to explode. Shitiri was then overpowered by the MLA and others in the household and handed over to the Wokha police. The police also recovered the live grenade. “There was no argument, no nothing and we don’t understand why” said a source that was with the MLA when the incident happened.
When contacted, the MLA said that the person had sought a private audience since he had “important” matters to discuss. “He told me that he had not come to me for money but to discuss” said the legislator. The MLA said the person came “proclaiming to me that he was a supporter.” To the query what according to him could be the motive, the legislator said “I don’t know.”
The accused is currently held at Wokha police station. Wokha police said that investigation will be undertaken into the motive behind the bid. Sources also said the ‘underground angle’ would be investigated in case Shitiri is from any of the Naga underground outfits. MLA Yankithung Yanthan represents 37th Tiyui Assembly Constituency, Wokha.
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