Don't turn election into battlefield : UFM chairman
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 13 2021: Coming out strongly against the recent poll related violence in parts of Manipur, United Front, Manipur (UFM) chairman, Sapam Samungou has appealed all not to indulge in violence and convert Assembly election into a battlefield.

Addressing media persons during a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, Samungou maintained that choosing the right candidate is everyone's right.

UFM considers the recent poll related violence involving firearms and deadly weapons at various parts of the State very unfortunate and uncalled for, he said and urged the Chief Minister who also holds the Home portfolio to direct concerned police stations to take up suo motu cases into the incidents under Section 109 of the Indian Penal Code.

If the cases are not taken up, then it will be a clear case of violation of Article 14 of the Constitution of India which provides for equality of all before the law, he added.

He also questioned why the Chief Minister who is known for putting many behind bars for their dissenting voices, has not even issued a formal notification at a time when followers of different intending candidates have started resorting to extreme violence rendering many injured.

He also asked why the intending candidates should not be fixed responsibilities for the incidents.

The officer in-charge of the police stations concerned should immediately take up suo motu case against the intending candidates under Section 109 and 307 of the Indian Penal code for causing unrest among voters, he said.

While maintaining that the country or any State is not owned by BJP, Congress, CPI, NPP or any other political party, he said that everyone should be aware that the country belongs to every citizen.

Every political party should know that the 12th Manipur State Assemblye election due to be held next year is not a battlefield of Kurukshetra, he said while urging all political parties to restrain their supporters from indulging in violence and disturbing peace in the State.

Reminding all intending candidates that all are living in the 21st century, he strongly urged them not to equate election with violence.

While recalling the burning down of Imphal West DC office on result declaration day of the State Assembly Election of 1990, he vehemently condemned the recent violence that occurred long before the issuance of election notification and appealed all to invest energy for the welfare of the State rather than wasting time and energy in violence.

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