New Delhi:

A Delhi-based civil society group run by Manipur professionals has called on people living in the crisis-hit state across the country to return to their homes if they can and take part in the electoral process in the world’s largest democracy.

Manipur has two Lok Sabha seats – Inner Manipur and one reserved seat – Outer Manipur. The Lok Sabha elections will be held in the state, which is recovering from ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo tribe and the Meiteis and where more than 45,000 people still live in relief camps.

Delhi Meitei Forum (DMF), a civil society organization, said in a statement: “We appeal to everyone from Manipur, from all communities, living outside the state to travel to Manipur and participate in this Lok Sabha election Vote.”

“Travel to Manipur is expensive, so we know this is a barrier. However, whoever can afford to travel to Manipur should participate in the electoral process in the world’s largest democracy,” the DMF said. DMF has been providing aid and other humanitarian relief to the area. Internally Displaced Persons in Manipur.

“Now more than ever, there is a need to choose a good leader, one who can resolve the crisis in Manipur and bring peace to all communities,” said a key member of the DMF.

The DMF said it was a “completely independent group” dedicated to the well-being of the Mattel community and asked other civil society groups not to include its name as a partner or member in their activities. DMF sources said they found some groups using the DMF name as a partner when communicating with authorities, which should not be done to avoid legal issues.

Another organization, the Delhi Meitei Coordination Committee (DMCC), said in a statement that it has written to the Chief Justice of India, Chief Election Commissioner and other constitutional authorities to postpone the Lok Sabha elections in Manipur. DMCC had mentioned that DMF was part of the DMCC “group”, which DMF sources said was completely false.

The Inner Manipur constituency is set to be a massive electoral battle, with candidates widely accepted by the public, leaving voters with a difficult decision to make.

The BJP fielded Manipur education minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, a former Indian Police Service officer, and the Congress party fielded Delhi Jawaharlal · Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Professor at Nehru University. This will be Mr Akojam’s first campaign. Maheshwar Thounaojam of the Republican Party of India (Athawale) also put up a strong fight.

The BJP is not campaigning in Outer Manipur and is supporting Kachui Timothy Zimik, the candidate of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), a BJP ally. Congress has fielded Alfred Kanngam S Arthur to this constituency.

The entire inner Manipur constituency and parts of outer Manipur will go to polls on April 19. The remaining districts of Outer Manipur will go to polls on April 26. Counting of votes will take place on June 4.