Kangpokpi: In what looks like a response to the collective decision taken by the Civil Society Organizations of Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi District, announced by Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and Kuki-Inpi Sadar-Hills to abstain from voting in the upcoming Manipur Lok Sabha Election 2024, the number in most of the polling boots are either zero or at its dismal low. Poor voter turnout is also reported in many polling stations in Churachandpur district.
The decision to “abstain” comes in light of the ongoing conflict between the Kuki-Zo community and the Meetei majority, marked by incidents of violence since May 3, 2023, including killings, burnings, and tortures, the CSOs had said.
Characterized by the Kuki-Zo community’s struggle against what they perceive as “aggression by the Meetei majority,” CoTU had on April 17, 2024, declared its inability to participate in the Manipur Lok Sabha Election. In line with this stance, CoTU had advised all Kuki-Zo communities within Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District, to strictly adhere to the CSO’s decision of abstention from voting.
The impact of this decision is evident as the voter turnout among Kuki-Zo voters was reported as zero at the time of filing this report. The call for abstention from both the Committee on Tribal Unity and Kuki-Inpi Sadar Hills seems to have resonated strongly within Sadar Hills, with almost all polling stations, including those managed by Persons with Disabilities (PwD), exclusively by women, and special stations for displaced voters from both Inner and Outer Manipur, witnessing a deserted atmosphere.
While voters from other communities exercised their franchise rights, it was noted that the overall voter turnout was significantly lower compared to previous elections. This abstention reflects a broader sentiment of disillusionment and disengagement among Kuki-Zo voters in the current political climate, marked by heightened tensions and conflicts.
The voting on Friday commenced at 7 am across 166 polling stations and 24 special polling stations in Kangpokpi District. Notably, four of these special stations are designated for voters displaced from the I-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency. The voting process will conclude at 4 pm.
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