KISH 'directs' community to not vote

    17-Apr-2024
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Our Correspondent
KANGPOKPI, Apr 16: In a significant turn of events, the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills has directed members of the Kuki community in Sadar Hills to abstain from participating in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, the paramount authority for the Kuki community, issued the powerful proclamation urging all Kuki residents in Sadar Hills to abstain from voting in the upcoming Lok Sabha election, highlighting their 'unwavering stance and unity'.
It however made clear it isn't "boycotting" the Lok Sabha elections but rather opting to "abstain from voting."
Due to absence of a candidate from the Kuki-Zo community in the 18th Lok Sabha election, efforts were made to select a candidate from among the four candidates in fray for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency. However, consensus could not be achieved, it said.
"Therefore, in coordination with all stakeholders, acknowledged by the Kuki Inpi Manipur, a unanimous decision was made to abstain from voting in the upcoming election," said the Kuki Inpi  Sadar Hills. It has also instructed all village chiefs and Kuki-Zo individuals to adhere to the joint resolution to abstain from voting. Four candidates--BJP backed NFP candidate Kachui Timothy Zimik, Congress candidate Alfred Kanngam Arthur, and two Independent candidates, S Kho John and Dr Alyson Abonmai are in the fray for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency election for elections will be held on April 19 and April 26.