Newmai News Network Imphal | January 28 Manipur Democratic People’s Front (MDPF), a Manipur-based regional political party, today urged Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to defer the Manipur assembly polls slated to take place in two phases on March 4 and 8 in view of the prevailing situation. In a letter to Modi, MDPF president Dr Gurumayum Tonsana Sharma requested the Prime Minister to review the election dates fixed by the Election Commission in view of the current volatile situation in Manipur. Expressing doubts on possibility to conduct a free and fair election due to the protracted blockade on the two National Highways connecting the state which has caused repercussions, the letter also urged the Prime Minister to intervene to bring about an amicable and lasting solution. It further urged Modi to postpone the election dates for Manipur until the 'social atmosphere' becomes conducive to holding a free and fair election. The plans of the Manipur Government to create Sadar Hills and Jiribam districts and the subsequent creation of seven new districts “without consulting the Nagas” have triggered troubles in Manipur. Owing to the prevailing situation, the electioneering for the 60 Assembly seats is moving at a slow pace. The campaigning of different political parties is expected to pick up steam in the coming days, that is, closer to the election. On top of the district creation issue, the state has yet to recover from the impact of demonetisation policy of the Centre. With fuel crisis still persisting, the state has been facing immense problem caused by acute shortage of other essential commodities. The district creation issue as well as demonetisation is expected to have an impact on the ensuing state assembly election. So far, only the BJP has been able to announce its first list of candidates for the crucial polls.
