Many call for "Free and fair election"
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, February 25 2022:
The International Human Rights Association, Manipur Chapter has appealed to all candidates, political parties, workers and the people of Manipur to ensure free, fair and smooth conduct of the ensuing assembly election.
In a release, IHRA stated that the onus of conducting free and fair elections is paramount for all.
IHRA also stated that in the run up to every election, there are hiccups, commotions and conflicts but in a democratic society free and fair election is one in which all eligible voters are able to exercise their franchise and cast their votes to the candidates of their choice.
"It is a fundamental right and has to be respected and every right-thinking individual must reflect that the free expression of will of the people must be respected", it added.
It continued that coercing and involvement of armed groups and anti-social elements need to be kept at bay for the smooth conduct of election and to maintain a peaceful environment.
IHRA further urged all the sections of the society to avoid any form of violence to ensure free, fair and smooth conduct of the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, the Christian community in Kangpokpi under the aegis of Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship (KTCF) in collaboration with All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) have conveyed an awakening call for a "Free and fair election" exhorting the Christian community, especially the Church leaders to lead the society towards truth & justice and be the light of the world and salt of the earth.
The call was made during a prayer meet cum press conference organized by KTCF in collaboration with AMCO at Kangpokpi Christian Church on Friday.
At the meet, the participants prayed for a free and fair, smooth and successful conduct of election, and truth to prevail among the people especially the Christian community and within the Churches.
Speaking to media person, AMCO president Rev S Prim Vaiphei stated that in an era where bad is not regarded as bad, stealing is no longer regarded as stealing, where evil deeds and actions are justified, and where truth is made silent by money and bullet, the Christian community, especially the Church and religious leaders must not compromise their faith and principles with worldly things rather stand firm and united for truth and against all evil things.
"In such a corrupted society, Christians are the people who should stand firm for the truth even unto death as we are called the salt of the earth and the light of the world in order to save the society from such corruption while we are assigned to lead our society to the path of truth and justice and expose any kind of evil works", he added.
He mentioned that candidates who practice booth capturing, voter intimidation, proxy/bogus voting, etc can never be God's anointed people.
The prayer meet was attended by Rev Dr Nipamacha, vice president AMCO; Rev Dr Lalpi, president TCLF; Rev Helari Lhanghu, member AMCO; and Bishop Jeremiah as resource persons.
Apart from Church leaders of Kangpokpi town, Rev J Lunkim, Pastor KCC; Rev K Hangshing, chairman KTCF; Rev Fr Janggin Chongloi, secretary KTCF; Pastor Satminthang; and Rev Haopu also attended the meet.