All eyes on Naga and Kuki voters : Manipur final phase voting

Imphal/New Delhi

The final and second phase of assembly elections in BJP-ruled Manipur will be held in 22 assembly seats spread over 10 districts on March 5, Saturday.

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio and NPF leader T R Zeliang campaigned for the NPF candidates on Feb 16 in Senapati and in his speech made a strong case for a solution to the Naga insurgency problem.

In the second phase of polls in Manipur voting will be held at 1247 polling

stations spread across three valley and seven hill districts.

Voters - an overwhelming number of them tribal - Nagas and Kukis - will decide the fate of

92 candidates including 2 women in March 5 polls.

Tight security measures have been placed for the second phase polls in Manipur, EC officials

said in Delhi.

Politically much importance is being given in seats where NPF has fielded candidates. The Nagaland-based party which was part of Biren Singh ministry in the state is contesting in ten constituencies.

Various Kuki organisations have openly pledged support to the BJP. This could be decisive. 

 

The elections in Naga dominated areas are also seen as a 'prestige' battle with no less than Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (of NDPP) stated during the campaign at Senapati that - "This election is crucial for Naga unity".

Reference:

Feb 16: Rio's pitches for Peace

The Naga voters would want a solution to the protracted insurgency issue that started in the 1940s. But certain

things do change in the context of Manipur.

In the 2018 provincial polls in Nagaland, the BJP had the best strike rate winning 12 seats out of 20 it contested,

while two other regional parties NPF and NDPP suffered major setbacks.

 

"I see no reason why there cannot be a settlement," Rio said on Feb 16 at Senapati rally.

"Whatever competencies agreed, make the agreement. And whatever cannot be resolved continue the discussions".

Several voters have said that many of them would like to vote for a party that's in power in Delhi as cash-starved 

Manipur is immensely dependent on funding by the federal government.

The first phase of polling in Manipur took place on Feb 28.

According to the last official census, Christians make up 41.29 percent of Manipur's population and Hindus marginally more at 41.39 percent. Muslims represent 8.4 percent.

However, Christians have a decisive say in 20 of the 60 seats in the hills. 

In the remaining 40, native Meitei Hindus hold sway.

ends