IMPHAL, May 25: The State government has failed to take any action against all the undemocratic activities witnessed in the run up to the Autonomous District Council Election in the State, Komren Union NE India president Lalkhomang Serto claimed today.
He was speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony of independent candidate from 23-Nongmaiching ADC constituency Saikul block, Sadar Hills East Sailenthang Bosco Kom.
He said the ADC election is crucial for the people of the hills of Manipur.
The people of the hills should elect their right representative through this election to fight for them, he continued.
However, it is unfortunate that the last election of the ADC was more of a selection than election, he added.
And as such no developmental projects were taken up in the hill areas during the last five years, he said.
It is also unfortunate that we are witnessing several undemocratic organisations are interfering this time in the conduct of the election, Serto continued.
These organisations are issuing threats and pressures to candidates to withdraw their candidature creating a fear psychosis among the people, he also added.
He said some militant outfits under the Suspension of Operation treaty with the governments are also trying to endorse candidates.
Many village heads and chiefs are also under pressure and threat to support certain candidates, he said.
Overlooking all these, the State government has remained silent, failing to take up any action which is very unfortunate, Serto asserted.
We are not satisfied with the government action, he added.
Serto also appealed to all armed groups not to get involved in the election process.
The Komren Union strongly decries any threat or ultimatum to candidates threatening them to withdraw their candidature or stop campaigning he said appealing to all to ensure the free and fair conduct of the election.
Instead of resorting to such actions, it would be better if everyone gets involve in making the election a free and fair one, he said.
Sailenthang Bosco Kom said the ADC will ensure provision of employment opportunities, developmental schemes and health and education schemes among other schemes for the development of the hill villages.
According to Kom, his main vision is to bring a positive change to the lifestyle of people of the hills, build up unity and provide the true provisions of democracy to the people.
He said health, education and development are his main focus areas.
He continued he also aims to highlight the sporting talents from his constituency.
Today`™s function was also attended by around seven headmen, village chiefs, members of women unions and other villagers from five villages of the constituency.
It may be mentioned hat nongmaiching has 27 villages and has 4391 voters.