DMCC urges delay in Manipur elections due to Meitei-Kuki-Zo conflict. Scheduled for April 19 and 26, violence persists, causing casualties and displacements.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!![[Manipur] Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee Calls for Postponement of Lok Sabha Election, Appeals to CEC and CJI](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-109.png?resize=820%2C615&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: Recently, The Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), a key organization representing the Meitei civil society groups in the national capital, has officially requested a delay in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Manipur.
With the election scheduled in two phases, on April 19 and April 26, the region remains a hotspot of conflict between the Meitei, who predominantly inhabit the valley regions, and the Kuki-Zo tribes from the hills. The persistent violence over the past year has led to tragic losses, with reports stating at least 220 fatalities, and thousands suffering injuries or being displaced from their homes.
On April 1, the DMCC reached out to both the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the Chief Justice of India (CJI), advocating for a temporary postponement of the elections in light of the “abnormal” circumstances prevailing in Manipur. The committee elaborated on the continuous assaults on Meitei communities by groups believed to be “Kuki militants,” noting a significant reduction in violence following the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) announcement of the polling dates.
ALSO READ:Manipur violence committee report
“This suggests that the assaults by Kuki militants on Meetei are politically driven actions under the shield of a policy known as ‘Suspension of Operation (SoO)’ between 24 Kuki militants and the Government of India. With the elections having brought about a semblance of peace in Manipur, delaying the Lok Sabha election is deemed necessary.”
– the DMCC highlighted in its communications.
Addressing the broader implications of the unrest, which dates back to May 3, 2023, the DMCC underscored the challenges faced by political entities due to the compromised law and order situation, creating an unlevel playing field. Insights from various sources shed light on concerning developments, including clandestine meetings led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and restrictions on campaign activities imposed by the Arambai Tenggol, a radical Meitei faction. The opposition, in particular, has encountered direct threats and violent incidents, further exacerbating the political tension in the state.
Furthermore, the DMCC’s correspondence brought attention to the dire measures taken by residents in the absence of adequate state protection. The alarming looting of approximately 5,000 firearms and ammunition from armories and police stations—an act of desperation driven by the need for self-defense—was a stark indication of the severity of the situation. Although security forces have since recovered a portion of the looted arsenal, a substantial number of weapons remain unaccounted for, posing an ongoing threat to the region’s stability.
ALSO READ:Manipur Violence Case| Manipur High Court Cancels Meitei Community’s Inclusion in ST List
The DMCC’s convener, Seram Rojesh, expressed their efforts to seek a postponement of the elections in the state by approaching the Supreme Court of India. However, the steep legal fees, starting from around Rs. 1 lakh, proved to be unaffordable for the committee.
