Manipur: Tribal students object to polls on Sunday, day of worship for Christians

New Delhi: The All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) has urged the election commission of India (EC) to reschedule the first phase of polling in the state which is scheduled for February 27, a Sunday. Manipur will vote in two phases and the second polling date is March 3.

Also Read | Schools, Colleges Closed Live Updates: Boards, universities postpone exams as Omicron, COVID-19 cases rise

The students’ union said that 43 percent of Manipur’s population is tribal and are predominantly Christian. On Sundays, a “day for rest and worship”, they go to church.

"The state election commission must try to ensure participation of all eligible citizens to exercise their adult franchise," said a statement from ATSUM. “The state election commission is urged to reschedule the date of polling of the hill assembly constituencies to any other convenient date which does not fall on a Sunday.”

ATSU urges EC to postpone first phase of polling in Manipur

The Sunday polling date is a matter of concern for the tribal people and Christian community of Manipur, said the union. The letter further accused the election commission of lacking the sensitivity and ability to appreciate the spiritual values, beliefs and practices of the Christian community of the state.

Also Read | Kerala’s free CLAT prep initiative helps Adivasi students reach NUALS, Kochi

State elections are being held over February and March in five states and union territories – Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. Of these, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa will have polling in a single phase, on February 14. Uttar Pradesh will vote in seven phases starting from February 10 to March 7. Results will be Declared on March 10.