Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 02 2010:
Kom villagers have been allegedly denied their democratic right of casting vote when polling was held for Autonomous District Council.
The denial that ensued from the first phase polling in 20/8 Dampi polling station continued when repoll was held on May 31, said one L Thaipu Kom on behalf of the Kom electorates.
Thaipu contended that when voters of six Kom villages reached dampi polling station in the morning of the poll schedule, ballot boxes were found sealed which when opened contained over 500 ballot papers stamped in favour of independent candidate identified as Tongminthang.
As repoll was ordered after detection of the mal-practice, Kom villagers on the way to the polling station were prevented from entering the voting zone with supporters of Tongminthang along with unidentified armed persons barricaded the way and threatened of dire consequences in case they proceed further.
Complaints to police personnel and polling officials with regard to denial of democratic right failed to evoke positive response, Thaipu maintained while calling upon the Chief Minister to initiate appropriate measures so that the minority Kom community could enjoy their democratic right.
Moreover, a sit-in-protest was reportedly staged at Moirang Mantak village today in denunciation of rampant electoral malpractice including threat to the Kom electorates.