On demand for repoll in certain polling stations
CPI, allies launch agitation
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 25 2009: DEMANDING RE-POLL at various polling stations in Andro, Patsoi, Thoubal and Khundrakpam Assemblies Constituencies due to the reported 'unfair' practices in the just concluded Parliamentary elections in inner Manipur, the Left Democratic Secular alliance has launched an agitation aiming to end the alleged practice of 'oligarchy' in the state by staging a sit in protest at RAU Ground near Lamlong Bridge.

CPI candidate for inner constituency addressing a group of demonstrators at Khuman Lampak

"The agitation is launched to end the practice of oligarchy in Manipur and to usher in a new political trend against money-power, and muscle power," the CPI candidate in the inner Manipur Lok Sabha election, Dr Nara asserted today.

This is a step to inform the people about the eventual turning of politics into business and in fact it is, not only in election, an attempt to bring in a change in the society, Dr Nara further said.

Conveying his strong resolute to carry on the agitation till a tangible result is achieved, Dr Nara said that it will fight it politically and legally till the end.

He informed that a district-level demonstration would also be launched shortly.

"If a wrong is detected it must be corrected.

It is wrong to pretend not knowing the fault," Dr Nara observes while adding that the people have also a responsibility to prevent the wrong.

Dr Nara said that the people have suffered long enough just for the sake of few individuals though without mentioning the 'few individuals'.

Several leaders of the CPI Manipur State Council and CPM leaders of the state have spoke during the sit in protest today.

Interestingly, the sit in protest was planned to be held at Keishampat junction but the venue was shifted as permission was not granted by the government.

Placards reading 'Don't mock democracy,' 'conduct re-poll at 16 polling stations where booths were captured,' 'initiate action against officials who did not demanded security at hyper-sensitive areas,' etc were displayed during the demonstration.

The Left Democratic Secular alliance leaders including the CPI, CPM, RSP, and JD (U) have also conveyed their preparedness to launch further courses of action.