A rally in Tamenglong to protest interference by the United Naga Council in the poll process

Imphal, Feb. 20: The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland today imposed a ban on polling in Tamenglong Assembly constituency of Manipur, expressing concern over the “deteriorating” law and order situation in the district headquarters during the election campaign there.

Tamenglong, along with two other constituencies of this Naga-dominated district, go to the hustings in the third and final phase on Friday. The outfit, however, did not impose any restrictions on polling in the two other constituencies of Tamei and Nungba in the district.

“The Indian election has created many problems. If the process is going to disturb peace and spawn enmity among the people in the constituency, it is better that no election is held here. We do not want any MLA or MP. That is why we have imposed a ban on the election so that people can live in peace,” the outfit’s information and publicity secretary in-charge (Zeliangrong region) said in a communiqué here today.

The development came after activists of the NSCN (I-M) abducted an Independent candidate, identified as Khangthuanag Panmei, on Saturday morning. The candidate was freed unharmed a couple of days later. But the NSCN (I-M) claimed that the candidate had agreed to withdraw from the contest.

Accusing the Assam Rifles and security forces deployed in the district headquarters of turning a blind eye to the abduction, the NSCN (K) spokesman alleged that the NSCN (I-M) extracted a declaration at gunpoint from the candidate while in captivity saying he would withdraw from the contest.

A new chapter was added to the turmoil over the polls today. Women in the district headquarters of Chandel today called a district-wide bandh in protest against the abduction of nine persons, including three women, by unidentified gunmen from their homes late last night.

All the nine hostages, including Anal Women’s Union president Sarei Anal, participated in a rally at the district headquarters yesterday. Hundreds of women carried out a procession yesterday demanding free and fair polling in the district.

The women protesters warned that the bandh would continue if the hostages were not released unharmed.

In another development, the CPI today informed Governor S.S. Sidhu that two of the party’s candidates in Chandel and Tengnoupal seats in Chandel district were forced to withdraw their candidature by militants of two armed groups at gunpoint. The CPI, however, did not name the outfits.

In a memorandum, CPI state secretary B. Sharma said party candidates Onjamang Haokip and D.N. Haokip resigned after receiving threats from two armed groups.

“We have apprehensions that more violence will break out in the third phase. So, we request both the state government and the Election Commission to take necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections,” Sharma told mediapersons.