Naga forum bats for free, fair polls
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 03 2024:
The Imphal Naga Forum has voiced deep concern over the turn of events in Manipur in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections, and has urged everyone to exercise maximum restraints during the poll campaign.
In a release issued Wednesday, it said, "The Imphal Naga Forum is deeply distressed, disturbed and saddened by the turn of events in Manipur in the run up to the world's biggest democratic exercise" .
While stating that the violent scenario will not be conducive for a peaceful, free and fair and transparent elections, the Forum appealed to "all candidates, political parties, church bodies, civil society organisations, voters and the various armed groups to exercise maximum restraints and refrain from violence during this time of poll campaigning" .
It then said that church leaders should urge congregations to elect righteous, qualified candidates, and avoid being swayed by money, inducements, and gifts from political parties.
The Bible encourages justice and righteousness, and inner voices should guide voting decisions.
There is now a fear psychosis in the minds of the electorate, the Imphal-based Naga body continued as it called for a collaborative effort to "create a congenial, peaceful and violence free environment where every responsible and law-abiding denizens could exercise his/her political franchise without fear and intimidation" .
The Forum urged the Election Commission of India to uphold its constitutional duties as a constitutional poll watchdog, ensuring peaceful and smooth polling for law-abiding citizens to elect their representatives to Parliament.