Tension briefly gripped parts of Khowai district on Tuesday after unidentified miscreants allegedly opened fire and hurled a grenade at vehicles carrying political supporters en route to a public meeting addressed by the Chief Minister.

The incident occurred in the area adjacent to Mereng (Merung) Bazar under Kalyanpur police station in Teliamura subdivision. According to initial reports, supporters traveling from R.S. Para and nearby areas of Kalyanpur were heading towards Dushki Bazar to attend a rally organized in connection with the ADC elections when they were intercepted.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the attackers fired two to three rounds and threw a grenade. Fortunately, the grenade failed to explode, averting what could have been a major tragedy. However, around 10 to 15 people were reportedly injured in the chaos that followed. Several vehicles were also damaged during the incident.

A BJP worker, Rathindra Debbarma, alleged that the attackers were linked to rival political elements and deliberately attempted to disrupt the Chief Minister’s program. He further claimed that a mobile phone was snatched during the attack.

Following the incident, a large police force rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Authorities confirmed that the area is now calm, though security has been tightened to prevent further escalation.

The attack triggered panic among party workers and supporters, raising concerns over political violence in the region during the election period.

Addressing the public meeting later, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the incident, accusing rival groups of indulging in “political terrorism.” 

He stated that while some speak of peace publicly, their actions contradict those claims.

He also emphasized that peace in the Northeast, strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, must be preserved at all costs and warned against attempts to destabilize the region.

The rally was held in support of party candidates Billow Jamatia (Maharanipur–Teliamura constituency) and Rajesh (Mandai Pulinpur constituency).

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.