BISHNUPUR, April 17: The JAC formed in connection with the alleged attempt to kill N Tomba boycotted the 16th Lok Sabha Election in polling stations of Leimaram, Waroiching and Heinoubok of 25-Oinam Assembly Constituency.
The decision was taken decrying the government’s inaction to its demands to transfer Nambol police officer in charge, Premchand for using undemocratic and foul languages against the womenfolk of the JAC and to withdraw an FIR lodged against the JAC.
Around 7.30am today, local MLA Th Ibohalbi arrived at the village and urged the villagers to cast their votes.
Polling officials in the polling station were seen lazing around as no one came up to exercise their franchise.
Meanwhile, convenor of the JAC, Gaitri Devi narrated that N Biren Singh of Leimaram Awang Leikai came to the residence of N Tomba with a double barrel gun on April 7 around 8.30pm threatening to kill him.
On being told that Tomba was not present, Biren hit on the face of Ibechoubi, Tomba’s wife with his gun, she said and added that following the assault, Biren and his supporter Thabellei were excommunicated from the village.
Meanwhile, Biren and Thaballei lodged an FIR at the Nambol Police stating that they were forcefully expelled from the village along with their children, she continued.
The JAC had submitted a memorandum to the Home minister Gaikhangam stating that the FIR should be withdrawn and a chargesheet should be framed against Biren and Thabellei, and to transfer OC Premchand who used abusive language against the womenfolk of Leimaram.
Since, the government failed to reply to their demands, the decision to boycott the election was taken, she stated.
Around 7.30am today, local MLA Th Ibohalbi arrived at the village and urged the villagers to cast their votes.
He had said that due to the election code of conduct, the transfer of the OC is not possible at the moment and assured that he will be transferred within 10 days-time.
The MLA also said that he was ready to give a written assurance.
In their reply, the villagers questioned as to why he had not shown up with his assurance ahead of the poll day and declared that the JAC will abide by the decision of the villagers to continue with the boycott of the election.
MLA Th Ibohalbi further asserted before the people that government may not consider their demands if they boycott the election and might even impose an Act more powerful than the AFSPA.
He told the voters to lift their boycott, so that he could plea to the government on their behalf.
Despite the MLA’s appeal, none of the villagers came forward to vote, although many were seen moving around the polling station.