Manipur women seeking rehabilitation amidst polls

By Varsha Sharma

New Delhi : Elections for two seats in Manipur are to be held on 19 and 26 April. The administration is fully prepared. But people are averse to it. Disappointment is evident even from the conversations with women doing business in Ima Kaithal market, especially run by women. Laishram Mema Devi, convener of the market coordination committee, asks, Elections are the festival of democracy. Due to the conflict, people here could not celebrate festivals that have been going on for centuries, so how would they want to participate in elections? We welcome the government’s initiative to provide special polling stations for displaced people to cast their votes. But we are yearning for rehabilitation in our own home (area). This shows that the government is more interested in holding elections than providing a normal life. Another woman vendor selling Manipuri traditional dress says, the crisis has affected the state’s economy heavily. Many people have lost their love, the career of the youth has been affected. However, this would be better than staying away from voting.
That we should vote for a capable candidate who can protect unity. 50-year-old business beauty says, some candidates are capable. Therefore, instead of boycotting in anger, it would be better to choose the right candidate. What will change with the elections now: No matter how much opposition there is between Kuki and Meitei in Manipur, they are united on the issue of elections. Both the groups believe that this is not the right time for elections. It has been a year since ethnic violence broke out in the state. More than 200 people have died, while 50 thousand people have been displaced. Their question is, what will change with the elections at this time? Traditional elements of campaigning like posters, mega rallies and movement of leaders are missing in the state. Awareness-raising hoardings of election officials are definitely visible.