IT News
Imphal, April 4:
Inmates at Khongman relief camp in Imphal East district have lamented the denial of their fundamental democratic right to vote by Kuki militants. Khamba, a displaced individual residing in the relief camp, revealed that he and others like him have never participated in any electoral process, be it panchayat, Assembly, or Lok Sabha elections. He expressed that the Kukis would confiscate their voter ID cards prior to polling, effectively preventing them from casting their votes. He added that this will be the first time after 1990 that the Meitei community will cast their vote after the arrangement of Special Polling station for the IDPs from Moreh.
Speaking to media persons, Khamba described the fear of reprisal that inhibited them from challenging this blatant electoral manipulation. He noted that speaking out against such rigging would have inevitably led to grave consequences, including possible death.
The disenfranchisement extends beyond Khamba and his wife, affecting tens of thousands of Meiteis residing in regions dominated by the Kukis, such as Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts. Chalamba Singh, another resident of the relief camp, recounted how Kuki organizations explicitly declared that non-Kukis lacked the right to vote in Kuki-majority areas, perpetuating their marginalization.
Tamubi, Chalamba’s wife, recalled a harrowing incident from 2004 when a courageous Meitei woman attempted to defy the Kuki decree by insisting on voting. Despite facing threats and intimidation, she refused to surrender her voter ID card. In retaliation, her shop was looted, and her house was set ablaze, leaving her severely injured and ultimately forcing her to flee Moreh. The incident served as a chilling warning, dissuading others from challenging the Kuki hegemony.
