Senapati, Feb 20 : Expressing strong concern and protesting the ‘forceful conduct’ of the 11th Manipur Assembly election, the UNC organized a ‘symbolic protest’ during the visit of Sudeep Jain, Director General, Election Commission of India, at Senapati DHQs today evening.
Terming the upcoming election as “undemocratic process”, the UNC said that considering the prevailing situation in Manipur and militarization of Tribal areas, it is ‘not conducive for holding polls.” UNC volunteers and officials with pla- cards and banners welcomed the ECI official who is scheduled to meet the DC/DEO, SPs, AROs, Central Observers (General, Expenditure & Police) at DRDA conference, Old DC office. The volunteers displayed banners reading “Roll back 7 newly created districts before election”, “Land is our identity and future, “We prioritize our land not election”, “Nagas and land inseparable, respect our land and history.”. Despite the protest, there is no report of untoward incident and the meeting went on uninterrupted with heavy police and para-military deployment.
The symbolic protest was part of the agitation to highlight the sentiments of the Nagas against the creation of the seven new districts, UNC leaders said.
UNC further said that without resolving the present sensitive issues, the forceful conduct of the election is undermining the voice of the people. The Centre should recognize the social unrest situation and address it before any electoral process is initiated.
It may be noted that, ECI DG is on a 4 day official visit to Manipur to review poll preparedness for the ensuing Assembly election.
He will visit the DHQs of Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Senapati and Chandel tomorrow and review poll preparedness along with security scenario in the above districts and newly created districts of Noney and Kamjong.
Source: The Sangai Express
