IMPHAL, May 18: Strong interference are meted out from underground outfits and pressurizing candidates of the upcoming ADC elections to either back away from contesting and to support their sponsored candidate.
The situation is prevalent in many ADC segments of the Sadar Hills jurisdiction, the political manipulation is mostly perpetrated by underground outfits who are presently in suspension of operations with the State and Central government. This was the main point of contention raised by many village elders, village chiefs of Purum Likli which comes under Mapao ADC segment of Sadar Hills. A flag hoisting function of BJP candidate of the said segment, namely Kaikam Kom today was held today at Purum Likli. Speaking at the occasion, President of the Komrem Union, Serto Kom said that the Union condemns the harassment meted out by the organizations to the candidates who are not sponsored by them. `We condemn the harassment and the forced politics favoritism in this area,` he added that elections should be free and fair.
Further adding to the charges, the BJP candidate Kaikam Kom lamented that the public of the area has not been able to exercise their voting rights. They are either intimidated by certain unlawful organizations to vote for their sponsored candidate and for other candidates to back away from contesting. `There is no peace during election time, politics are forced on the public, our democratic rights have been violated,`Kaikum said.
He mentioned that during the last election, he wanted to contest but was made to drop from campaigning as certain highly influential individuals had pressured him to do so. `We should not bow in to intimidation, I have been threatened this time also but I am not afraid. In the interest of the NGOs, I left the election last time as the candidate would win uncontested. This time, the public is behind me,` Kaikam added that no organizations are backing him but only the pressure of the public encourages him to stand for elections this time. `Unlike last time, there will be no `selection`™ and the choice of the people should be respected.` he said.
He highlighted that the elected ADCs are riding in swanky vehicles and questioned where the money for such luxury is coming from: an ADC member is given Rs 10,000 as salary for a month. `Are they public representatives or someone else`™s, let us not give in to the pressure and it is time that the public no longer remain afraid to exercise their democratic right.` he said.
It was learnt that an underground organization had threatened the candidate recently and asked him to bring an amount of Rs 10,000 to their designated camp.
The ceremony was attended by former minister C Doungel, BJP Yuva Morcha vice president; Ramthar Zimik, BJP president of Sadar Hills; Thangkholen Kipgen, Chairman of election committee; Campminthang and Emerson Bapui; Pastor of Purum Likli among other dignitaries.