Seats in 8 ACs should be reserved for indigenous candidates
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 31 2017: Election seats in eight Assembly Constituencies of Manipur which have high number of non-locals should be reserved only for the indigenous candidates, said Kangleipak Students' Association.

Speaking to mediapersons at Keisampat Leimajam Leikai community hall, KSA general secretary Sukham Bidyananda said, "Wangkhei AC, Thangmeiband AC, Sagolband AC, Uripok AC, Jiribam AC, Kangpokpi AC, Sugnu AC and Bishnupur AC have the highest number of non-locals which will soon outnumber the indigenous people if not checked.

Therefore, in the 2022 State Assembly election, election seats in these 8 ACs should be reserved only for the indigenous candidates" .

He opined that large influx of non-locals in the State will certainly cause hindrance in ushering peace and harmony in the State.

"The most unfortunate moment for the indigenous people of Manipur is when non-locals have been given the electoral power to take part in the decision making processes.

Manipur has so far witnessed two non-locals winning the State Assembly election.

It is crucial to discuss the Citizenship Act 1955, Article 5-11 (Citizenship) and Article 12-35 of the Indian Constitution and understand the minimum qualification of the citizenship mentioned in Article 5 (C) of the Indian Constitution," he said.

It cannot be denied that some politicians are not resorting to vote bank politics by giving shelter to non-locals to gamer votes, he stated and added, "Example of vote bank politics is Jiribam district.

People are aware who had registered whose names in the voters' list and the unfortunate fact is that some indigenous people are involved in it.

Some of the enrolled non-local voters have even started contesting in the elections" .

He then said that non-locals residing in Manipur should not be given political rights and the State Government should ensure necessary measures are taken up regarding the matter.

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