Poll-related violence in state worries YFPHR
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 11 2022: Youth's Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) on Tuesday voiced its deep concern over the series of violent incident happening ahead of the state legislative assembly election.

In a press release, YFPHR said that it "is deeply saddened to witness the adoption of violence as a means of tool for the upcoming election due to be held in February and March in Manipur.

We deeply regret the incompetency of political parties, police department and the government to restrain anti-social elements from committing offences which may lead to loss of precious lives of the citizens of Manipur.

"We are also sad to witness the inaction of the Manipur Human Rights Commission which is established to protect, to curb and direct the state authority to control from commissioning such violence.

"The use of guns or weapons to threaten its citizen to prove its power is yet another act of insecurity and incompetency of the particular parties or individuals or state authorities," it added.

Giving an account of the various pre-poll related incidents, the Forum recounted "sitting MLA of Langthabal A/C Karam Shyam and intending BJP candidate" pulling out a gun from his pocket and threatening the public on November 25,2021; unidentified persons firing several rounds at the house of Ramjit Lourembam of Yairipok Yambem Makha Leikai on November 27, 2021; killing of Ningthoujam Rohit (21), a Thoubal College student, and injuring of his father Premchandra at Heirok Part II under Heirok Assembly Constituency; attacking of two workers of Kh Ratankumar, vice president Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, during an election campaign at Mayang Imphal on December 23,2021; unknown miscreants firing at the election office of National People's Party's candidate Huidrom Vikramjit in Yaiskul Constituency at Brahmapur Laljilakpa Leikai on January 1, 2022; firing of several rounds of bullet from a vehicle of BJYM president M Barish Sharma in a crowded BJP office of Bishnupur district on January 7, 2022; and shooting of two people to death at Wangoi Constituency on January 9, 2022 .

Referring to the aforementioned incidents, YFPHR said that "adopting violence as a means to dominate and create fear psychosis among the civilians prior to the election is not a sign of good governance" .

It then said, "In October, 2021 the District Magistrate had already announced to submit the licensed guns to the nearest police station.

However, the incidents which took place after the announcement clearly indicates that the licensed guns are not properly checked by the state which is of serious concern.

If the licensed guns are deposited in the police stations concerned then from where the guns are being used to threaten the public in connection with the election" .

The Forum questioned whether the order issued by the District Magistrate regarding submission of licensed guns covers "intending candidates and standing candidates or workers of all the political parties" .

YFPHR also mentioned that it had on October 30, 2021 appealed to all to refrain from violence, apart from urging the Manipur Human Rights Commission, Governor of Manipur and Department of Home to immediately intervene to curb the poll-related violence in the state.

It then appealed to the people of the state to refrain from violence, adding that the state authority has no concern for its citizens.

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