Northeast Desk, 4th April: The Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), representing various Meitei organizations, has appealed to both the Election Commission and the Chief Justice of India to postpone the Lok Sabha elections in Manipur. The elections, slated for April 19 and 26, have raised concerns amidst ongoing ethnic turmoil in the region.
In a petition submitted on April 1, the DMCC outlined several reasons for the proposed delay, citing the escalation of conflict and law enforcement challenges, particularly in the Outer Manipur constituency where polling will occur on both days.
Comprising organizations such as the Delhi Meetei Forum (DMF), Delhi Meitei, Liklam Ngakpa, Sanamahi Laining, Eramdam Manipur, and the International Meetei Organisation, the DMCC underscored the persistent ethnic violence in Manipur since May 3 of the previous year. This unrest has caused extensive physical, psychological, economic, and political harm to the populace.
The DMCC’s petition, unveiled 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. While senior state officials assured the EC team of their preparedness, field inspections were also conducted.
According to the DMCC, the ongoing conflict between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zos has resulted in the loss of 221 lives, affecting Meiteis, Kukis, and other communities. The economy has suffered significantly, leading to widespread unemployment and soaring consumer goods prices. Furthermore, Meitei farmers have encountered obstacles in cultivating their paddy fields due to persistent attacks by Kuki militants.
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