IT News
Imphal, April 19:
As the sun rose over Kangpokpi district in Manipur, a remarkable scene unfolded at some polling stations in the district. The first phase of polling commenced at 7:00 am, but some of the Polling stations stood silent, devoid of the bustling activity typical of election days. Why? The Kuki-Zo voters, in a display of solidarity and determination, heeded the call of their community’s apex body to abstain from voting.
In a rare sight, polling stations, including those exclusively managed by women and those accommodating Persons with Disabilities (PwD), wore an air of desolation. The anticipated vibrancy of democratic participation was replaced by an eerie stillness, as not a single Kuki-Zo voter cast their ballot.
While voters from other communities exercised their franchise, the overall turnout was strikingly low compared to previous elections. This anomaly stemmed from the resolute stance of the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, the paramount authority for the Kuki community, which issued a resounding proclamation urging all Kuki residents to refrain from participating in the Lok Sabha Election.
Emphasizing unity and unwavering commitment, the apex body clarified that this abstention was not a boycott but a deliberate choice. Despite efforts to nominate a consensus candidate, the absence of Kuki-Zo representation led to the unanimous decision to abstain, duly recognized by the Kuki Inpi Manipur and supported by various stakeholders.
With four candidates vying for the II-Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, including notable figures like BJP-backed NFP candidate Kachui Timothy Zimik and Congress candidate Alfred Kanngam Arthur, the political landscape brimmed with anticipation. Yet, the resolute stand of the Kuki-Zo community brought an unexpected twist, leaving one lakh electors in Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District without a voice in this election cycle.
The directive of the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills reverberated across the region, commanding adherence from village chiefs and individuals alike. Endorsed by the Committee on Tribal Unity and various Kuki bodies, this resolute stance epitomized the strength of community solidarity and the weight of collective decisions. In Kangpokpi district, the absence of ballots spoke volumes, marking a chapter in Manipur’s electoral history defined by unity and determination.
