Guwahati: Organizations representing the Kuki-Zo communities in conflict-torn Manipur made a significant decision on Monday, choosing not to field a candidate in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, where Kukis and Nagas play pivotal roles in the electoral landscape. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) announced that, after consultations with various tribal organizations, it was agreed that members from the Kuki-Zo communities would refrain from filing nominations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, citing the ongoing plight of the communities due to conflict.
In a statement issued by ITLF chairman Pagin Haokip and secretary Muan Tombing, the ITLF urged community members to exercise their right to vote but to abstain from contesting for the Outer Manipur MP seat.
Speaking to EastMojo, Muan Tombing elaborated on their decision, stating, “We feel that it would be futile to contest as both Nagas and Meiteis are united against the Kuki-Zo community in this election. Being a minority, we stand little chance, especially with alleged favoritism in play, given the current BJP government’s alliances with the Naga People’s Front (NPF). Additionally, many of our people, numbering over 60,000 voters, are displaced, shifting from one state to another and one district to another. Under these circumstances, contesting the election seems meaningless. Thus, we advise our people not to file nominations, although we encourage them to exercise their franchise as Indian citizens.”
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The decision coincided with the BJP and its ally, the National People’s Party (NPP), announcing their support for the Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidate, Kachui Timothy Zimik, a former Indian Revenue Service officer from the Naga community. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, NPF leader Lorho S Pfoze secured victory in the Outer Manipur seat with BJP backing.
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