MPP, ex-MLA appeal for peaceful electioneering
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 14 2021: Expressing concern over the increasing violence in the run up to the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election, Manipur People's Party (MPP) has appealed to all concerned to refrain from violence and strive for peaceful campaign activities.

Addressing a press meet Thursday, MPP general secretary L Gitajen appealed to all the candidates to take up necessary initiatives to ensure peaceful atmosphere.

With violent confrontations between workers of aspiring candidates becoming very frequent including use of firearms, MPP is worried if the election would not be a free and fair one, he observed and stressed that it is high time the public understand the negative impacts of such activities and teach the right lesson to those candidates, who abet violence.

MPP's intending candidate in Andro assembly constituency Asheibam Bele said that poll related violence is gradually becoming a trend and people of Andro AC are beginning to experience sleepless nights as they fear for their safety amid the rising violence.

It would be better for everybody if the election remains a peaceful democratic affair instead of showing might, muscles and armed power.

He then appealed to all concerned to pay more interest in serving the society and bring welfare for the public instead of involving in violent activities.

All the intending candidates should focus on maintaining peaceful atmosphere and let the public exercise their democratic rights freely.

Using violent means in the election will not only create enmity among the public and affects public life and properties but also result in hampering development activities, he said.

Bele further said ha will seek legal help if rival groups continue to raise unfounded allegations or propaganda against him.

Meanwhile, former MLA Konthou-jam Sharat, who is preparing to contest the upcoming assembly election from Konthoujam assembly constituency on NPP ticket, has strongly called for making the upcoming assembly election a free and fair one and demanded immediate booking of unidentified people who tried to attack/kill him during a house campaign few days back.

In a video message released Thursday, Sharat said that he went to the house of Dr Kh Kalachand of Khumbong for an election related meeting at about 7pm on October 12.According to Sharat, three unidentified armed people coming on a motorcycle (Bajaj Pulsar) stopped him at the gate of Dr Kalachand and tried to kill him after the trio surrounded him.

"Somehow, I managed to escape from the unidentified people and took refuge at the house of Dr Kalachand.

Later, Patsoi police was informed and local women protected me before the police arrive," he said, adding that a police team escorted him till his home safely.

An FIR has been lodged at Patsoi PS regarding the incident the following day, he added.

Demanding to know the reason behind the life attempt on him, Sharat said that if there was any misunderstanding and mistake on his part, the same could be settled by holding talk.

He then appealed to people to make the upcoming assembly, election a free and fair one with collective effort.

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