Minister Awangbow urges ECI to reschedule poll date
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 14 2022:
While Naga Peoples' Front (NPF) welcomes the announcement of the schedule by the Election Commission of India, the date for the first phase of the polls on February 27, which is a Sunday, is not in the interest of the people of Christian faith as they offer prayers on every Sunday, NPF Manipur State president and Forest & Environment minister Awangbow Newmai has said, while requesting the Commission to reschedule the poll date.
Addressing a press meet held at his official quarters in Lamphel here on Friday, Awangbow said that Manipur is inhabited by communities belonging to different religions, in addition to being part of a secular state like India.
As such, he urged against scheduling the election date on any religious day.
Stating that NPF will contest the upcoming polls on the agenda of peace and prosperity, the party president informed that an Election Committee with ex-MLA Samuel Risom as its chairman, has been formed.
As of flow, NPF has not made any official decision for pre-poll alliance, although its present relation with BJP is good.
He then urged for holding the election in a peaceful manner and in strict adherence to Covid-19 SOP.
Informing that NPF has received 40 applications from individuals wanting to represent the party, Awangbow said that the party plans to field candidates in 15 constituencies including the constituencies in Imphal Valley.
He then urged for resolving the Naga Peace Talks at the earliest to prevent inconveniencing the people.