NH blockade may affect poll process in Manipur

New Delhi: The election process in at least 30 assembly constituencies in Manipur is likely to be affected as a key National Highway in the state continues to remain blocked for over 80 days due to agitation by a Naga group.
The central government seems to be in a fix over its limited options in removing the blockade on NH-2 in Manipur as it is not keen to impose President’s rule and the law and order is completely under the domain of the state government.
“The highway touches directly or indirectly at least 30 assembly constituencies. There will be problems in campaigning, transporting polling officials, EVMs and arranging other logistics,” a senior Home Ministry official said. Election to the 60-member Manipur Assembly will be held in two phases on March 4 and 8.
Even though conducting polls is the responsibility of the Election Commission, central government is concerned over the crisis of essential commodities and their skyrocketing prices.
In a stern message, the Centre had told the Manipur government last month that it cannot escape responsibility for the “humanitarian crisis” arising out of the blockade and must work to end it. (PTI)