Imphal, April 20: The residents of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district refrained from exercising their democratic right during the first phase of Lok Sabha elections held on Friday.
The Kuki-Zo community, was in majority in most polling stations across the three Assembly Constituencies – 46-Saikul, 50-Kangpokpi, and 51-Saitu, witnessed an unprecedented “zero voter turnout.” The trend was observed not only in the 24 Polling Stations designated as “Special Polling Stations” for Displaced Voters but also in the three Model Polling Stations and most of the 77 Polling Stations managed exclusively by women.
K. Shongreng, General Secretary of KSO Sadar Hills, expressed concern over the situation, and dissatisfaction with the government’s policies. “The zero per cent voter turnout indicates the discontent among the Kuki people in Sadar Hills area. Unless political injustices against the Kuki community are addressed, the sentiment will persist,” stated Shongreng.
While a small number of polling stations, primarily constituted by communities like the Nagas and Nepalese, saw some voter participation, the overall turnout remained low.
The Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, the apex body of the Kuki tribes in the district, had earlier issued a strong statement urging Kuki residents to refrain from participating in the Lok Sabha Election.
With the total voter turnout in Kangpokpi District expected to fall below 30%, Kangpokpi, which boasts 1,03,563 voters, including 51,184 male voters and 52,378 female voters, faces a significant democratic challenge.
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