Keithel Phambis resolve to stay away from LS polls

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Apr 2: Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup has decided not to participate in the Lok Sabha elections on April 19 unless the present crisis is resolved.
At Keithel No 2, Khwairamband, the Lup's general secretary, Y Ibeyaima said the decision to refrain from voting was taken collectively by the women vendors.
The conflict which started on May 3, 2023 has not been resolved even after 11 months. However, violence seems to have hit a sudden pause just for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, she said.
"We mothers can never forget the violent incidents, atrocities, loss of lives and properties. We have suffered. Therefore, we have decided not to participate in the elections on April 19," she said.
Ibeyaima continued that the Meiteis at present are like fishes in a pot.
"Meiteis are unable to travel beyond the small boundaries of the valley. We are like fishes in a pot. Anybody may win the election. There is not much difference. All are the same to us," Ibeyaima said.
Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup president Oinam Bilashini said the decision to refrain from voting was taken due to the State Government's failure to resolve the present crisis.
Without resolving the issue, the Government is keeping the lives and fate of the displaced people in relief camps in the dark, she said.
The Government may be able to hold the elections forcefully, but it doesn't have the will to resolve the crisis and will not reflect the popular demand of the people, she said.