Ahead of the upcoming general election to the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, the village authority of Chingjaroi CV in its bid to ensure free and fair election has laid down a list of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be strictly followed and implemented by departmental cabinets, villagers, political party and units.
A statement issued by the village departmental cabinets and issued by headman Chingjaroi CV Raizar A Shimray, and VA secretary Rocky Soro on Thursday directed all the departmental heads to “strictly maintain neutrality” with all political parties.
It stated that the resolution was issued with the sole intent to ensure violence-free election and enable every electorate to cast their votes in a free and fair manner.
Meanwhile, it also directed all political party to hoist their respective party flags at the headman’s compound.
In regard to conducting public rally and meetings, it had resolved to let headman and village authority take the final call if they are to conduct any public meetings.
“No political party and individual will be allowed to organise public gatherings without the authorisation and consent of the village,” the statement read while assuring that all political parties and candidates would be welcomed and equally treated.
Concerning party office maintenance, it stated, “With the exception of meetings held in view of the visits of candidates, party agents or workers and other emergency related matters of the party and units, no party office will be allowed to open for 24 hours just for the sake of entertainment and fun.”
Even if necessitated by unavoidable situations to hold party meetings, offices of all political party and their unit shall not exceed 10 pm timeline. “Gambling and use of alcohol is strictly prohibited,” it added.
It continued that special preference will be given to elders especially people above 60 years of age by arranging separate queue for them.
Mentioning that strict action will be taken up against any political party and units that failed to comply with the given regulations made by the departmental cabinets under the aegis of village authority for smooth undertaking of state general election, it warned that in the event of any poll - related violence stern action will be slapped against such political party and units under the constitution of the village.
Chingjaroi CV in Manipur’s north of Ukhrul district falls under Chingai (ST) assembly constituency, and is home to around 350 plus households. According to latest reports, its present electorates figure stands at 1,500.
Chingjaroi Khullen, Chingjaroi Ngachaphung and Chingjaroi CV combined together approximately had 3,800 electorates. Located at the remote foothills of Chingjui Matha (peak), it is one of the biggest villages among the Tangkhul tribe of Manipur, having around 1,000 households.
