Imphal: As Manipur approaches the Lok Sabha elections, the state remains gripped by a conflict that has persisted for nearly a year, claiming over 200 lives and displacing thousands. The usual fervor of election campaigning is conspicuously absent; political posters and rallies are nowhere to be seen, and the movement of political leaders is notably subdued. The central and state governments, led by the BJP, have been unable to quell the violence, casting a shadow over the electoral process.
Elections Amidst Unrest: A Test for Democracy
The two-phase Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 19 and 26 in Manipur are drawing near, with special attention on the voting arrangements for the displaced populace. Relief camps are being prepared as makeshift polling stations, yet candidates have refrained from visiting these sites. Despite no official ban on campaign activities, political parties are treading cautiously to avoid exacerbating the already delicate situation.
Political Parties Navigate Sensitive Terrain
The BJP’s star campaigners, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are listed to canvass for votes, paralleled by the Congress’ lineup featuring Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other key figures. However, their presence in Manipur has yet to materialize. Local election officials have erected hoardings encouraging citizens to vote, a stark contrast to the typically vibrant electioneering.
The Human Cost of Conflict
The ongoing violence, a caste conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities that erupted on May 3, 2023, has led to a humanitarian crisis. With 219 fatalities and thousands of homes destroyed, the displaced are sheltered in relief centers across the state. The conflict has severely impacted daily life, with education halted and businesses at a standstill, echoing the sentiments of Keshav from Moreh, who expressed a yearning for peace and normalcy.
Innovative Campaign Strategies Amid Restrictions
Candidates are adapting to the circumstances with unique campaign strategies. BJP’s Thaunaojam Basant Kumar Singh, Congress’s Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Republican Party of India’s Maheshwar Thaunaojam, and MPP-backed Rajmukar Somendro Singh are engaging with voters through non-traditional means, such as small gatherings at residences or party offices and door-to-door canvassing by supporters. These efforts reflect a commitment to the democratic process despite the challenges posed by the ongoing strife.
