Cong urges ECI, CEO for strict security
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 29 2024: In addition to writing to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manipur to take up strict security measures with regard to deployment of central and state forces in and around the six polling stations in the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency where re-polling will be conducted for the 18th Lok Sabha election, Congress has also talked to the returning officers via telephone on the matter, informed Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra.

Addressing the media at Congress Bhawan here Monday, Meghachandra said the letter urged for deployment of central and state forces in adequate numbers in the six polling stations (four in Ukhrul AC, one Chingai AC and one in Karong AC) in connection with the re-poll on Tuesday to prevent unwanted incidents.

He further urged for proper video coverage of the polling stations, in addition to stationing an executive magistrate at each of the polling stations to ensure strict adherence to Model Code of Conduct and timely punishment of anyone involved in unlawful acts.

Raising concerns over reports of movement of a significant number of armed people in and around the six polling stations, the MPCC president said that the armed groups could either intimidate the voters from coming out to vote or assault those who come to vote.

As such, the ECI and the home department need to take up strict security measures to ensure the constitutional right of the people in a democracy is not violated.

Recounting incidents of poll violence in previous Outer seat elections, Meghachandra said that Congress pushed for repoll of all polling stations but to no avail.

The re-poll was held only at polling stations where the EVMs were destroyed.

Congress' call for repoll of Outer and Inner polling stations where mass rigging and booth capture were reported was rejected.

Such shameful election not only made national headlines but also made it to New York Times and other international channels, he remarked.

With regard to issues plaguing the state, such incidents should never have happened in the state.

As such, he urged authorities concerned to take up appropriate measures and uphold the rights of the citizens.

Meghachandra then alleged that both the government and the ECI seemed to be on the.

same side, considering the latter's rejection of Congress' request for conducting re-poll in 15 polling stations in Outer Manipur Constituency and 47 polling stations in Inner Constituency.

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