From Our Correspondent
JOWAI: In a bid to check the played by money and muscle power in unfair voting several villages in
Jaintia Hills have banned entry of ‘outsiders’ into the hamlets.
Rangbah Shnong of several villages issued press statements and letters to the respective candidates warning against intrusion to lure voters by unfair means.
While making it clear that no individual, who is not a native, should enter the village especially during night to visit people’s houses, the village heads, however, said the candidates are free to hold election meetings with prior permission from the village authorities.
“Many candidates and their supporters visited the houses of voters with bagful of cash at night, distributing money and asking for votes in return,” said a Rangbah Shnong in East Jaintia Hills district.
The Dorbar Shnong called general meetings in the respective villages and decided to ban entry of unwanted elements until the election is over.
“The general meeting of the Dorbar Shnong resolved to ban the entry of any person, who is not a resident of our village,” said Bahroi Phawa, Rangbah Shnong of Mutong village under Khliehriat constituency in the district.
“All the candidates fighting for the Khliehriat seat had already held their election meetings in the village. There is no need of any more people coming to the village for door-to-door campaign,” he added.
The Dorbar Shnong of Pamanik village has also banned entry of any candidate or supporters for any election campaign after 7 pm. The Village Defence Party personnel have been asked to monitor and check movement of such people especially during night hours.
Informing about the ban in Dkhiah West village, the Dorbar Shnong Livingstone Phawa said,
“The candidates or their supporters can, however, enter the village for election campaign with prior permission from the Dorbar Shnong.”
Some other villages such as Jalyiah Kmai Shnong, Pamra Kmaishnong and Sutnga have also
adopted similar resolutions imposing either restriction or ban on entry of ‘outsiders’ to ensure a fair election.