Manipur poll notification likely on February 7

GUWAHATI: Election Commission of India is assessing the situation in Manipur, which goes to polls on March 4 and 8 to elect its 60-member state assembly, in view of the United Naga Council ( UNC) sponsored blockade of the state’s highways entering 69th day.

For its part, UNC on Saturday held meeting where it decided to continue with blockade on highways and intensify its agitation. The blockade called to protest creation of seven new districts by the Congress government in Manipur.

“We are assessing the situation. There is still substantial time. Notification of Manipur is expected to come out on February 7,” Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, told ET.

“It will be premature to draw any conclusion now. We still have two months’ time for the polls to take place,” he said. There has been apprehension from several quarters that if the blockade continues free and fair polls would be difficult.

“While the indefinite blockade on the highways will continue, picketing on the Manipur government offices will be intensified,” said S Milan, General Secretary of UNC told ET. While the Congress cited administrative convenience as the reason behind the creation of new administrative set up, the BJP has termed the decision a political ploy to create rift between Nagas in hills and Meitei dominated valley.

“The issue of blockade and violence is something which election commission and government will take note of it. However as a party we are confident that there will be a free and fair poll in the state,” Prahlad Singh Patel, BJP’s in-charge for Manipur said.

Human right activists Irom Sharmila led Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) will make a political debut in the assembly polls. Sharmila ended her 16 long years of a protest fast demanding the repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and announced to that she will contest polls. Sharmila will contest from Thoubal, the constituency of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. PRJA is contemplating to contest as many as 20 seats.