A tribal forum in Manipur, known for its ethnic conflicts, has urged the Kuki-Zo people to vote but avoid running for the Lok Sabha election in April. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), representing the Kuki-Zo group, has been advocating for their rights since the clashes with the Meiteis began in May 2023.
The ITLF announced on March 25 that they, along with their member-tribes, have decided not to nominate any candidates from the Kuki-Zo community for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, considering the ongoing challenges they face. They emphasized the importance of voting as Indian citizens but suggested refraining from contesting in the Outer Manipur seat.
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The prolonged ethnic violence has resulted in 219 casualties and displaced over 60,000 people. The Election Commission of India has assured that displaced individuals can vote at special polling stations set up in relief camps.
Manipur has two Lok Sabha seats. The Inner Manipur constituency, dominated by the Meiteis, encompasses 32 Assembly seats in the Imphal Valley. The Outer Manipur constituency, reserved for Scheduled Tribes, includes 28 Assembly segments.
Among these Assembly seats, 20 are in the hills, shared between the Nagas and Kuki-Zo people, while the remaining eight are in the foothills of the Imphal Valley.
Currently, the Outer Manipur seat is held by the Naga People’s Front (NPF), which has nominated Kachui Timothy Zimik, a Naga, as their candidate. Alfred K.S. Arthur, also a Naga, is running for this seat on behalf of the Congress party.
The BJP has decided not to contest the Outer Manipur seat but instead support the NPF candidate.
Source – The Hindu
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