The Imphal Naga Forum (INF) on Wednesday made a clarion call to all the candidates, political parties, church bodies, civil society organisations, voters and various armed groups to exercise maximum restraints and refrain from violence during poll campaigns.
A release said that the forum is deeply distressed, disturbed and saddened by the turn of events in Manipur in the run up to the world’s biggest democratic exercise. It asserted that the emerging violence poll scenario will not be conducive to a peaceful, free and fair and transparent elections.
It also sought support of the church leaders in voicing to elect righteous, incorruptible and dedicated candidates. It further prayed that the public do not fall prey to the lure of money, inducements and gifts from candidates and political parties.
It urged all to unite to create a congenial, peaceful and violence free environment to ensure the people exercise their political franchise without fear and intimidation. It further called upon the Election Commission of India to remind of its constitutional obligations to the citizens, adding that ECI being a constitutional poll watchdog must ensure peaceful and smooth polling.
