1. The Kuki-Zo community’s abstention led to empty polling stations in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
2. Other communities still cast votes, but turnout is notably lower than in previous elections.
3. Apex body’s call for abstention underscores significant impact on local voting dynamics.
Imphal, April 19: The first phase of polling in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district began at 7:00 am with empty polling stations as the Kuki-Zo community abstained from voting, following a call from their apex body.
Despite the deserted polling stations, voters from other communities exercised their franchise rights, albeit with significantly lower turnout compared to previous elections.
The Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, the paramount authority for the Kuki community, issued a proclamation urging all Kuki residents in Sadar Hills to abstain from voting in the Lok Sabha Election, citing their unified stance.
Clarifying that their approach isn’t a boycott but rather a deliberate abstention, the apex body expressed disappointment over the absence of a Kuki-Zo candidate in the 18th Lok Sabha Election.
Efforts to select a consensus candidate among the four candidates in the outer Manipur PC were unsuccessful, leading to the decision to abstain from voting, supported by stakeholders and endorsed by various Kuki bodies in the district.
Also Read: Kiren Rijiju and Pema Khandu Cast Votes in Native Villages During Lok Sabha Elections 2024
The directive was further reinforced by instructions to village chiefs and individuals to adhere to the joint resolution of abstaining from voting.
With four candidates contesting for the II-Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, including BJP-backed NFP candidate Kachui Timothy Zimik and Congress candidate Alfred Kanngam Arthur, the Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, boasting over one lakh electors, witnessed a unique electoral scenario.
