Concerns over free and fair poll in Manipur amidst deteriorating law and order condition

GUWAHATI: With series of strikes on security forces, economic blockade on highways and violence in Manipur, there is a concern that state might not witness free and fair assembly polls.

Election commission of India (ECI) announced a two-phase polls for Manipur on March 4 and 8. Political parties have sought massive deployment of Central paramilitary forces in Manipur during the polls.

Union home ministry (MHA) has send a report to the Election Commission, where it has termed the prevailing situation in Manipur as grave. United Naga council (UNC) has sought imposition of President’s rule in Manipur.


Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh met President Pranab Mukerjee and downplayed the MHA report.

Ibobi said, “I am told there is negative report from MHA to ECI that law and order situation is not conducive for free and fair polls, however, it is wrong and baseless."

The prevailing situation in the state is a matter of concern for BJP and party is worried about worsening law and order situation in the state.

Congress has welcomed the state election dates. The term of present assembly is ending on March 18.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr. Jitendra Singh met Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla and discussed the prevailing situation in the state on Tuesday.

Singh said the Centre is keeping a close watch on the developments in the State and is also constantly offering all kinds of possible cooperation and assistance to the State government.

Manipur is reeling under economic blockade on two of its highway since November 1 last year against the Congress government’s decision of creating seven new districts.

The move has triggered violence in the state. There is pressure on the Congress-led government to use Central forces to clear the blockade.

Singh argued that before 2012 assembly several militant outfit have given boycott call. Congress was not allowed to hold meeting, however, party got thumping majority and romped back to power “Insurgency, blockades, strikes are not unique to Manipur but concerns entire Northeast India. We suggested ECI to hold election in two phases and we are happy for the announcement.”

CorCom, the conglomerate of the seven militant outfits in 2012 had asked the public not to canvass, support or participate in house campaigns for the Congress candidates.

UNC will meet soon to take a call on their stand on the election.S. Milan, General Secretary of UNC told ET, “We are concerned about protecting our ancestral land. We will meet soon and by consensus decide our stand on the assembly polls.”