Imphal, September 27: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today said that strict security measures would be taken up to ensure smooth conduct of Konthoujam by-election which goes to poll on October 13 to instill confidence on the people to come out and cast their votes without any fear.

Speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony of the SPF�s common candidate Dr Sapam Budhachandra at his Konthoujam Awang Leikai residence today, Ibobi said boycotting the election is anti-social and anti-national and the Govt will take up all the necessary measures to thwart such move.

Ministers, office bearers, workers of both CPI and Congress were present in large number at the occasion.

Manipur is not just a part of India, but has a democratically elected Government.

The seat which has been lying vacant at Konthoujam Assembly Constituency should be filled up and the people should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights to elect their representative, the Chief Minister said, appealing to the people to cast their votes fearlessly.

The Chief Minister said hurling bombs at the residence of candidates is akin to threatening the voters and challenging their democratic rights.

People should not be discouraged by such threats, he said, adding security personnel being deployed in different parts of Konthoujam Constituency is to instill confidence in the people.

Asking the people to vote for Budhachandra, Ibobi maintained that electing an Opposition candidate, which has no accord with the ruling UPA Government would not hold any good.

However, he hastened to add that voters should not be under pressure from any quarters and should exercise their franchise diligently keeping the interest of the State in mind.

On the public demand for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the entire State of Manipur, the Chief Minister said the matter needs to be discussed thoroughly in a peaceful manner.

As the underground organizations have not given any positive response to offer for talks and their movement is for secession from India, Government of India does not favour lifting of the Act.

Despite that, the State Government has removed Disturbed Area Act from Imphal Municipal area in the interest of the people, Chief Minister said.

He further said that some of agitationists have been detained under NSA out of compulsion as the ongoing agitation has started assuming anti-national feature with burning of National flag, etc.

Agitation should be launched in a peaceful manner and if it turns violent, State Government can not remain quiet, he added.

CPI leader and Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat, who also address the gathering said people of Konthoujam Assembly Constituency should also have a representative, just like people in the other 59 Assembly Constituency.

Usurpation of the rights to the people to exercise their franchise and elect their representation with threat and intimidation is not right, he said.

Veteran Congressman and Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing also said that threatening candidates and dissuading voters from casting their votes would not bring any good results.

Differences should be resolved through peaceful talks.

It is advisable for the Apunba Lup to hold talks with the Government, he remarked.

Attacking Opposition parties, Keishing said their is no unity among them.

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