Election Turmoil in Manipur: High Turnout Amidst Violence
GENERAL
Imphal: The Lok Sabha elections in Manipur took place amidst chaos and controversy as violence marred the polling process. With over 72% voter turnout recorded, concerns over voter intimidation and booth-capturing were widespread.
First time voters
Voter line up at a polling station in Churachandpur for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Seat
In the Inner Manipur constituency, where the voter turnout was approximately 76.05%, reports of EVM damage and booth disturbances raised serious concerns. 15 segments of the Outer Manipur which went to the polls in the. First phase saw 65.22% polling, as per provisional data from the Election Commission. The turnout for Inner Manipur in the 2019 election was around 81%.
Voting process also took place at the special polling station in Neilit, Akhampat, Imphal East, catering to displaced persons from Moreh of Tengnoupal and Churachandpur districts, marked by a solemn atmosphere. While voters lauded the Election Commission of India (ECI) for facilitating their participation, they also expressed a heartfelt plea for authorities to address their plight in the relief camps and facilitate their return to their places of origin.
Suspected at came and vandalised Congress camp and were chased away by congress supporters
Konjengbam Bina Leima exemplifies the sentiments of many displaced individuals, earnestly seeking assistance to alleviate their suffering.
In a commendable move, the ECI had authorized the establishment of 85 special polling stations across various districts, accommodating a total of 18,091 internally displaced voters. This initiative aimed to ensure their inclusion in the democratic process amidst challenging circumstances.
Multiple complaints, including those from Congress, BJP, and Independent candidates, highlighted instances of booth-capturing and voter coercion.
Bjp Candidate for the inner Manipur, Th Basanta Kumar Singh
The situation escalated with a firing incident in Imphal, leading to three arrests by Manipur Police. Complaints flooded the Election Commission, alleging rigging and coercion in numerous polling booths across both constituencies. The Congress party, in particular, demanded repolling in several affected areas.
Videos circulating on social media further depicted the severity of the situation, with armed individuals intimidating voters and firing near polling stations.
INC Candidate, Dr Angomcha Bimol Athoijam condemning poll violence and said hardcore BJP workers would be shameful of the conduct of their workers in Manipur
INC Working President, K Debabrata Singh alleges BJP of using armed groups to capture and rig booths and intimate non BJP polling agents.
Meanwhile, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee has lodged complaints of voter intimidation and booth rigging at several places in the valley districts, and urged the Chief Election Officer of Manipur to initiate re-polling in at least 47 polling stations, across Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur districts.
As the second phase approaches, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process in Manipur.