STDCM calls for judicious voting, Foundation fair polls
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 18 2024:
A day ahead of the first phase Lok Sabha election, Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) has urged the people to think critically, minutely review statements made by the candidates and cast their votes judiciously to elect representative who will be able to save Manipur and the indigenous Meetei/Meitei.
In a release, general secretary K Bhogendrajit recalled that STDCM launched 'Know your candidates' campaign from April 7 during which five out of six candidates vying for the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency seat namely H Sarat, Maheshwar Thounaojam, Dr Angomcha Bimol, Th Basantakumar and Totomsana Nongshaba interacted with the Committee representatives.
Their views and perceptions on the issue and their assurances for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list were placed in the public domain through the media.
Though Rk Somendro alias Kaiku couldn't be met, he pledged support to the ST demand and assured of trying his level best for the inclusion.
As such, the general secretary urged the electors to cast their vote judiciously so that the integrity of Manipur could be protected and relationship among the indigenous communities strengthened for a developed Manipur.
Meanwhile, Makaam Foundation, National Game Village on Thursday appealed to the people of Manipur and North East to exercise their franchise in a free and fair manner during the Parliamentary Elections, 2024 .
The Foundation stated that the Election Commission of India (ECI) and state agencies have a constitutional duty to ensure voting without fear of threat or physical intimidation, especially in Manipur and North East, which are known for threats and muscle power.
It then urged the public to expose and fight anti-democratic activities by candidates and political parties before the polls, pointing out that silence and acceptance of such illegal activities encourage anti-social elements to continue.
To check such evil practices, the ECI can arrange a reporter or correspondent each at hyper-sensitive polling stations or install CCTV to record the entire surroundings of the polling stations, the Makaam Foundation suggested.
The Foundation maintained that candidates and political parties engaging in malpractices like rigging, tempering EVMs, and impersonation should be barred from contesting elections for nqxt two terms or life, and stringent laws should be framed and enforced by the ECI to combat anti-democratic practices in elections.
It then appealed to the citizens of Manipur and North East to choose and elect representatives wisely, avoiding irresponsible candidates who could ruin the state and the region, while urging the public to prioritise the integrity, credentials, visions and policies of candidates to save democracy and society.