SoO group accused of threatening voters
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 07 2022:
Zou Women Human Rights Organization (ZOWHRO) on Monday expressed its concern over alleged intimidation of Zou villagers in Singhat assembly constituency by an armed group, which is signatory to the suspension of operation (SoO) pact with the government, to vote for a candidate of its choice.
In a release, ZOWHRO said that it "takes cognizance of the information on certain group of persons claiming themselves as belonging to a particular UG Group under SoO, roaming around Zou inhabited villages within 60-Singhat (ST) Assembly Constituency and intimidating the chiefs and villagers to vote only in favour of their selected candidate much against their will/consent.
The villagers are further warned of dire consequences if they (villagers) welcome or entertain the campaign of a particular candidate whom they (SoO Group) despise".
"This blatant discriminatory action/activity on the part of the insurgent group has posed an apprehension that free and fair poll will not be possible in the ensuing Manipur Legislative Assembly Election -2022, particularly, in respect of 60-Singhat (ST) A/C.This kind of activity on the part of the SoO Group is also in contravention of the revolutionary ideal which they claim to profess and clamour", it added.
ZOWHRO then appealed to the SoO Group and all their accomplices to refrain from interfering in the electoral process.
The organisation also appealed to the state authority to take all necessary precautionary, measures to ensure that every voter in Singhat (ST) A/C exercises their franchise peacefully without fear and prejudice.
"Feigned ignorance on the part of the government authority over the issue at hand and occurrence of any unwanted consequences due to negligence and indifferences will be taken as the failure of the law enforcing authority/agency", cautioned the Zou women rights body.
In the meantime, ZOWHRO called upon all voters of Singhat A/C to be aware of their fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of India where each and every individual irrespective of caste and creed has been given the right to vote.
Further, it urged "every voter to resist any form of threats and coercive devices and also not succumb to any pressure which may threaten our rights and freedom as a free citizen of India" .