NPP, BJP, Cong workers storm DC office
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 06 2022:
National People's Party (NPP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) supporters on Sunday stormed the Tamenglong DC office demanding for re-poll in Tamei (ST) AC.
The political parties' members and supporters alleged malpractices like denial of entry to electors if they don't vote for particular political party, snatching of voters' slips and barring entry of inner election agents of political parties in 2-3 polling stations under Tamei AC.
A woman from Thiulon covered by 52/37 polling station, who preferred anonymity, told The People's Chronicle that she and her family of seven voters were not allowed to vote for their chosen candidate by Naga People's Party (NPF) worker despite fervent requests.
Election agent of NPP Tamei candidate Kikhonbou Newmai, Ramtahung said that many such discrepancies were reported in Thiulon and Impah villages.
"It is unfortunate that the voice and rights of the people were denied in in a democratic country like India," he said.
During the demonstration by political parties, protesters shouted slogans and displayed placards reading 'NPF capturing NPP votes', 'we condemn booth capturing by NPF', 'every citizen of India has the right to vote' and 'we want free and fair election'.
Meanwhile a statement by 52-Tamei (ST) AC returning officer Ningreingam Leisan said that scrutiny of Form 17A and other documents of the election were held at DC office Tamenglong.
It resolved that allegations of restricting entry of party supporters and not allowing them to exercise their votes at four polling stations (52/29-Tamah, 52/37-Impah, 52/44-Lam-laba and 52/62-Thiulon) will be reassessed and a report will be made with due consideration under the guidelines of Election Commission of India (ECI) .