RANGOON — A sitting opposition lawmaker who was attacked by a group of armed assailants and hospitalized in Rangoon last week has rejoined the election campaign with an appearance in the constituency he is contesting on Sunday.
Naing Ngan Lin, a National League for Democracy lawmaker representing Naypyidaw’s Dekkhinathiri Township who is seeking reelection in Thaketa, was attacked by a group of men on Thursday evening while campaigning in the seat.
He was sent to Rangoon General Hospital in critical condition with injuries to his head and hands, while two other party members also required hospitalization.
Wednesday’s campaign appearance included a procession of around 300 trishaws passing through five wards in Thaketa Township. Naing Ngan Lin, who has yet to fully recover from his injuries, joined the rally in a car and greeted crowds who gathered to watch the convoy.
Naing Ngan Lin said that he had not taken earlier threats against his safety seriously, but did not believe he was attacked again.
Three of his attackers have been charged with assault, with Thaketa police saying that the assailants would be tried after the election. The Thaketa Township police station provided security for the NLD candidates participating in Wednesday’s rally.
