ADC ELECTION PEACEFUL BUT MAR BY POOR TURN-OUT

By Me /October 26th 2011

Despite earlier apprehension of violent disturbance, the election to the two ADC constituencies of Senapati and Ukhrul district of Manipur ended peacefully. Polling was conducted under heavy security deployment amidst strong opposition from the UNC and its frontal organizations in 17-Phaibung in Senapati and 13-Chingai in Ukhrul districts. However poor voter turn-out mar the exercise conducted to realize decentralization of administrative powers.

Out of 10 polling Stations under 13-Chingai ADC, only 4 polling stations witnessed polling while 5 booths out of 10 polling booths of 17-Phaibung register voting in Senapati. A total of 32 companies of CRPF were deployed in and around the polling stations to assist state police in smooth conduct of the elections. The election to the two ADC were held despite opposition from the Untied Naga Council and its frontal organizations alleging that the ADC Act under which the elections are held betrays tribal autonomy in the real sense and are demanding an alternative administrative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur outside the preview of the Govt of Manipur.