Imphal, April 29: Terming the recent two phased Lok Sabha polls in the State as a victory of democracy, Chief Minister O Ibobi has today said that the voters participation, despite the ban call issued by underground outfits and some NGOs, is a clear indication that the people of Manipur trust the Indian Parliamentary democracy.

In a statement issued to the press today, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Central election officers, the security personnel and all others who made the election a success.

The State election office had earlier declared that the voters turn out in both the Outer and Inner Parliamentary Constituencies was above the 50 percent mark.

The Chief Minister also shared the sorrows and pains of the family members of some of those who died, during the election as well those who suffered casualties.

On the need to bring about a political settlement to the militancy problem besetting the State, the Chief Minister said that the Centre should not treat the matter as merely a law and order issue and added that his Government has been urging New Delhi to initiate a peace process with all the underground outfits operating in Manipur.

If the Centre can have a dialogue with the NSCN (IM), then there is no reason why similar arrangements cannot be worked out with the militant groups operating in Manipur, he opined.