Election Commission approves postal ballots for militants in Manipur camps

IMPHAL: The Election Commission (EC) on Friday notified that members of Manipur militant groups that signed

ceasefire agreements

with the government, whose names are listed in the

electoral rolls

and who are currently residing at various designated camps are entitled to vote by postal ballot. Manipur assembly election will begin on February 27.

Over 20 Kuki militant groups operating in the state under two conglomerate groups — United People’s Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) — had signed a tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO), a ceasefire pact with the state and central governments in 2008.

Cadres of these groups are currently putting up at designated camps set up by the government in different Kuki-dominated areas in the state. Likewise, some other underground groups had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government. The decision was taken in exercise of powers conferred by clause (c) of Section 60 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and in consultation with the central government, said a statement issued by the office of Manipur chief electoral officer.The statement added that the decision was made considering that “a number of persons belonging to the SoO and MoU groups living in the 14 designated camps in Manipur have been enrolled in the electoral rolls of various assembly constituencies of the state”.

As such, the EC has directed that these electors shall be allowed to vote by postal ballot, taking into account the right of franchise of such electors as they cannot move out of the said designated camps, the statement said.

Efforts will be made to see that voters are not required to travel more than the prescribed limit to cast their vote and hence, the centres’ location will be finalized as required, it said.