Since May of last year, Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic clashes, causing unrest and displacement among its residents. As the state gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be held in two phases on April 19 and 26, efforts are being made to ensure that all eligible voters can cast their ballots, even those residing in relief camps due to the conflicts.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced in a press conference in New Delhi that special polling stations will be set up at or near the camps where displaced electors can register their votes using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This decision comes after a review of the ground situation in Manipur, acknowledging the significant number of voters who were displaced from their native places during the recent conflicts.
The Election Commission (EC) issued a statement outlining the plan for internally displaced persons to vote in relief camps, emphasizing the importance of facilitating their participation in the electoral process. The scheme, released on February 29, 2024, aims to ensure that every eligible voter, regardless of their current living situation, can exercise their democratic right to vote.
The state of Manipur has been plagued by intermittent violence stemming from ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. This conflict has resulted in over 200 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries, prompting tens of thousands to flee their homes and seek shelter in government-run camps.
Ethnic divisions between the hill communities and the Meiteis have deep historical roots, exacerbated by factors such as the Naga insurgency and demands for separate territories. Recent triggers, such as forest evictions and calls for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Meiteis, have further fueled the tensions between different ethnic groups in the state.
The first delimitation process in Manipur since 1973 has also stirred controversy, with allegations of inaccurate population data and underrepresentation of tribal groups in the state’s Assembly. These grievances have widened the divide between Meiteis and tribals, leading to increased political and social unrest.
The refugee crisis resulting from the February 2021 coup in Myanmar has added to the complexities in Manipur, with concerns raised about the influx of Myanmarese nationals into certain districts. Chief Minister N Biren Singh has expressed apprehensions about the presence of foreigners and outsiders in the state, citing issues such as poppy cultivation and unauthorized settlements.
As Manipur prepares for the Lok Sabha elections amidst ongoing ethnic clashes and internal displacement, efforts are underway to ensure that every eligible voter, including those residing in relief camps, can participate in the democratic process. The EC’s decision to establish special polling stations demonstrates a commitment to upholding electoral integrity and inclusivity in the face of adversity.
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