Counting of ballots in Imphal: TNL smells a rat
Source: Hueiyen News Service /R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, May 22 2015 :
In the wake of the State Government's decision to hold counting of ballots for the ensuing Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous District Council (MHAADC) polls in Imphal rather than in the hill districts, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has called upon the tribals of the state to join their hands to safeguard their Constitutional rights.
"The hill people should come together to safeguard our rights.
Counting of votes in Imphal is unacceptable for it is the policy of the State Government to derail MHAADC functions in the Hill areas in future," asserted the president V Weapon Zimik.
Maintaining that Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous District Council (MHAADC) is for the hill peoples, the statement demanded in no uncertain terms that the ballot counting should accordingly be done in their respective districts so as to avert confusion and manipulation of the democratic process.
TNL then fervently appealed to the State Chief Election Commission to revoke the decision at the earliest in the interest of the constitutional rights of the hill peoples of the State.
At the same time, the apex body has also appealed to all the political parties to maintain democratic ethics and respect one another while campaigning which is going on in full swing for the forthcoming ADC polls.
Vehemently condemning the recent assault and alleged monetary demand made to a Congress worker and the Wednesday bomb attack on Kamjong NPF office, the statement said that such acts only go to show our intolerance of one another.
Meanwhile, lauding the the JAC against the killing of Konsam Korungamba for lifting the blockade along the Imphal-Ukhrul route, TNL further appealed to the JAC for free vehicular movement along the highway at a time when students are flocking to Imphal and other cities for their higher studies.
Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has also strongly denounced the gunning down of the student Konsam Korungamba, (19) son of K Rajen of Khuirai Konsam Leikai by the State Commando personnel.