Candidates oppose board election, AWAS MD clarifies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 05 2024: Eight candidates contesting in the election for the Board of Directors of Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicraft Artisans' Cooperative Society Limited (AWAS) have expressed their strong opposition to the election which was conducted forcefully on Friday without considering the present flood situation and public holiday declared by the State Government Addressing media persons today at Soibam Leikai Khanglabung Leirak, Ph Indira, one of the candidates, vehemently denounced the manner in which the election for AWAS board was conducted despite repeated appeals and written request submitted by the eight candidates out of the fifteen candidates to postpone the election.

She claimed that the election was a force as only seven out of fifteen candidates took part in the election with a very low turnout of voters due to the present flood conditions.

She also asserted that the voters as well as the eight candidates cannot accept the election which was conducted in a forceful manner and they will be filing a complaint at the Court.

Further, alleging misappropriation of funds meant for development of women by former board members, Ph Indira appealed to the authorities concerned to investigate the matter and award appropriate punishment to all involved.

Meanwhile, AWAS Managing Director, Thangjam Singhajit has announced that the election for Board of Directors of Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicraft Artisans' Cooperative Society Limited was conducted successfully on Friday and seven new Board members have been elected.

Speaking to media persons, Singhajit informed that the election was conducted peacefully at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen in Konung Mamang.

He continued that prior to the election, a notice was also issued as per the direction of the Registrar of Co-operative Societies to notify all concerned about the election.

In regard to the demand for postponement of election, Singhajit said that a complaint was received from eight candidates to postpone the election and the same was forwarded to the Registrar on time.

"However, we did not receive any direction/ instruction regarding the postponement of the election firm higher authorities.

Thus, the election was conducted as per the norms of the Society", he added.

On misappropriation of funds, Singhajit said that the management will look into the complaints about misappropriation of public funds and take necessary steps in this matter.

Returning Officer, Kh Tarunkumar was also present at the media briefing.

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