Sit-in staged to demand polling day change
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 07 2022: Under the aegis of All Manipur Christian Organisation, several church leaders staged sit-in protest at William Pettigrew Park, MBC complex demanding rescheduling of the first phase polling day which falls on Sunday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Christian Action Committee convenor Rev L Simon Raomai welcomed the decision of Election Commission of India to conduct election in the state.

However, scheduling polling day of the first phase of the Legislative election on Sunday, which is a holy day for Christians, is unfortunate, he expressed.

On Sunday, worshipping begins from morning and there are several activities like Sunday School, which cannot be skipped.

As such, there will be no time for casting votes on Sunday by Christians, Rev Simon stressed, while adding that not changing the date of polling is akin to asking the Christians not to cast their votes.

Urging ECI to change the date of polling for the first phase, the convenor cautioned of launching several forms of protest if the repetitive appeals go unheeded.

He further urged MLAs and ministers to look into the matter and help the Christian voters of the state.

The protestors held placards inscribed with slogans like 'Will not join election if poll date is not changed', 'Don't disappoint Christians voters', etc.

during the sit-in demonstration.

Members of the CAC also staged protest near the gate of Imphal International Airport.

Under the AMCO, CAC has been appealing to the Governor, Chief Minister, and Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur to change the date of the first phase of polling.

However, no positive action has been taken on the matter till date.

As such, CAC staged a silent, peaceful and democratic protest near the gate of Imphal International Airport and also at MBC Centre Church on Monday, with the aim of making Election Commissioner of India Sushil Chandra aware of the hurt sentiments of the Christian community of the state.

The protestors also requested the Commissioner to reschedule the date of the first phase of polling to enable the Christians to cast their votes.

"CAC of AMCO firmly believes that the people will stand with the Christians of Manipur and show their sincere solidarity and support," expressed some of the demonstrators.

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