BJP slams NSCN (IM) for ADC poll violence, rigging
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 20 2015 : BJP Manipur Pradesh took on NSCN (IM) for their role in the recently held 6th Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections in the Naga dominated areas of Manipur.

Blaming the NSCN (IM) for "completely nullifying" the democratic rights of the people, the State BJP in a statement maintained that the entire electoral process was completely "rigged and mutilated" to ensure victory of the NPF candidates backed by NSCN (IM), and in effect "defeating the people" .

"This unimaginable and unheard of electoral feat in the annals of democratic elections was the direct outcome of open and blatant rigging of the entire electoral process in the form of open proxy voting, booth capturing, abduction of BIP agents and supporters under violent threat and intimidation," the party stated.

It claimed that these were all the handiworks of NSCN (IM) cadres under the direct control and supervision of one Lt General (Retd) Markson of the outfit.

It was alleged that Gen Markson, in a letter, addressed to village chiefs, had written: "With you as the head your village authority/women's society/students union all should ensure that the total votes in your village must cast in favour of the NPF.

In case there is anyone in your village who does not comply with this order, you are directed to make a list and submit to the undersigned without fail" .

BJP maintained that the direct assault on its candidates and their supporters was to tarnish the image of the party.

The Manipur unit of the BJP however seriously viewed the lack of response despite several reminders from the authorities.

The acts of hooliganism and criminality that tantamount to humiliation, intimidation and the third degree torture towards party workers and leaders cannot be taken in a light vein, it said.

In fact, citizens of the hill districts of Manipur were debarred from exercising their franchise during the recent ADC election, the statement claimed, adding it is also a fact that the workers of BJP Manipur Pradesh prepared for the democratic process for participating the ADC election in a free and fair atmosphere two months before the party switched to political awareness campaign among the people of ADC areas.

It said people responded and thus gained the momentum gradually for the party in all the districts however on the eve of the election NSCN (IM) and NPF workers threatened and tortured BJP workers and candidates in the Naga inhabited areas.

Meanwhile the party president Chaoba announced that the party will open an office in Tamenglong district.

He disclosed that the party will start working with an eye to the 2017 Assembly elections.

He also said that one BJP team will shortly leave Imphal for Delhi where they will place the Dz�kou valley issue before the central leaders.

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