IMPHAL, April 8: The Election Commission of India has assured of initiating action against NPF for violating the code of conduct by forcing the Poumei Naga Union general secretary and assistant secretary to sign a circular which reads ‘Cast public vote to NPF’ at gunpoint.
This was stated by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaikhangam in a public meeting at Senjam Chirang under Sekmai Assembly constituency under the aegis of Sekmai Block Congress Committee.
He said that NPF is sponsored by NSCN-IM cadres and some civil societies like UNC are campaigning for the NPF candidate at gun point.
The circular apparently mentions that one has to pay a thousand rupee fine and will be given capital punishment one doesn’t cast their vote for the NPF candidate Soso Lorho.
“The party has asked the ECI to take up action against NPF but ECI has replied that it is not violative of the code of conduct as it involves some fringe social organisation or individuals. However, the controversial circular mentioned the name of the candidate, Soso Lorho, and is in the possession of the Congress. If ECI didn’t take action against them, Congress will go till the end for justice.”
He said that ECI must take action against such violation of code of conduct and must disqualify their candidature.
NPF is a political party backed by UG groups with roots in the state’s soil. We can face the enemy without but must beware of the danger within. The BJP is pouring water with fertilizers to the NPF for it to germinate
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said that Manipur faced many disturbances in developmental projects. The few developments, we witness, can be brought after a stable government was formed in the state. The true verdict will be given by people and when the election results are out. We do want to debate on genuine issues which the Congress government has not done for people. We don’t want to react to simple issues and get into a debate.
N Biren MLA Heingang AC said that this time they are trying to show the highest number of voters that the Congress has received from Manipur to contribute to the central government with our two candidates.
It is unfortunate that ECI has allowed the NPF to contest elections which ideology is of taking its neighbour’s land, he added.