1. DMCC calls for postponement of Manipur’s Lok Sabha elections due to ethnic unrest.
2. Security concerns heightened, especially in Outer Manipur, where voting spans two days.
3. Election Commission and Chief Justice of India petitioned by Meitei group for delay.
Imphal, April 04: The Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) has urged the Election Commission and the Chief Justice of India to postpone the Lok Sabha elections in Manipur due to ethnic turmoil in the region.
Scheduled for April 19 and 26, concerns have been raised about security, particularly in the Outer Manipur constituency, where polling will occur on both days.
In their petition submitted on April 1, the DMCC cited various reasons for the proposed delay, including escalating conflict and law enforcement challenges, supported by media reports documenting the unrest.
Comprising organizations like the Delhi Meetei Forum (DMF), Delhi Meitei, Liklam Ngakpa, Sanamahi Laining, Eramdam Manipur, and the International Meetei Organisation, the DMCC highlighted the persistent ethnic violence in Manipur since May 3 of the preceding year, causing extensive physical, psychological, economic, and political harm to the populace.
The DMCC’s petition revealed to the media on Wednesday, coincided with a visit from an Election Commission team to Imphal to assess the state’s readiness for the polls.
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While senior state officials assured the EC team of their preparedness, the team also conducted field inspections.
According to the DMCC, the ongoing conflict between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zos has resulted in the loss of 221 lives, with Meiteis, Kukis, and other communities bearing the brunt.
The economy has suffered significantly, with widespread unemployment and soaring consumer goods prices.
Additionally, Meitei farmers have faced obstacles in cultivating their paddy fields due to persistent attacks by Kuki militants.
