Danger of pushing for election in ethnically charged socio-political environment
Imphal, 22nd February 2017
Citizens' Committee, Manipur (CCM) has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to study the wisdom of pushing for election before "defusing the escalating ethnic tension" in Manipur. Apprising Sudeep Jain, the Director General of the Election Commission of India today in Imphal, CCM said that the time is not conducive to hold election in Manipur.
"We are happy to learn that the Commission has made elaborate arrangements to ensure free and fair election. However, we feel that the arrangement elaborated is more of a technical nature. The installation of CCTV, webcasting and presence of paramilitary at the polling stations alone can never ensure free and fair election, as experienced in the past.
Subsequent to more than hundred days of economic blockade, an emotionally charged socio-political climate has rendered a politically unconducive atmosphere for democratic participation of the general public in the electoral process," said the CCM members.
Former Chief Minister of Manipur Radhabinod Koijam is the chairperson of CCM while human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam is the convenor.
CITIZENS COMMITTEE, MANIPUR
H.O. Thangmeiband Lourungpurel Leikai,
Imphal - 795004, Manipur
* This Press Release was sent to e-pao.net by Babloo Loitongbam who can be contacted at bloitongbam(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This Press Release was posted on February 23 2017
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