A few die-hard veterans but still young at heart and ever ready to the clarion call of duties for societal upliftments and the cause of justices for the poor, the outcasts and the neglected and voiceless masses. Come together under Society for First Justice spearheading the need for a Free and Fair Poll in our electoral system. A platform was arranged at Kuki Inpi, Ccpur office at Tuibuong today for all intending candidates including sitting MLAs.
In her welcome address, Pi Niangpi Singson, President SFJ, narrated the plight she underwent garnering for help and assistance for the poors, the orphans and the widows in our society. Where are your elected leaders? Questions directed very often to us for which we have no answer! Well, the time has come to change that: Let us all put our head and minds together and face the issue head on for a positive outcome.
Elder Thangkhomang Haokip, Secretary, SFJ in his keynote address stressed that Free and Fair Poll and the Model code of conduct of ECI are not against our Christian Ethics but rather upholding them is the core of Jesus Christ message: Justice for all including the poor and the downtrodden. Basing on Ezekiel 33:8-9, and Jeremiah 9:24 he narrated how the need to have such a platform where all stakeholders come together to address the burning issue came about.
Kuki Nampi Taokhom (KNT) was established in 1988. Ever since 54 or so prayers have been undertaken. The latest being at Khangbarol at Chandel District on November- December 2016. On 3-4 December 2016 KNT and SFJ Combined with some Senior Citizens gathered at L Semoul Christian Church for a fasting prayer. One tearful burden: Free and Fair Poll 2017 was resolved to be carried forward to its conclusion.
A joint consultative meeting on Ethical voting and electoral participation was organised at DTC Hall at D.C. Office on 21st December 2016 duly sponsored by DEO/CCP. And today’s program here is the continuation on the initiative. Thank you all and let’s make it a success by putting all our might on it in every area of our interactions.
Many intending candidates as well as sitting MLAs including ministers were called. However, only 4 turn up and only C T. Lian sit through till the end. Whether he eventually got elected or not, he definitely earn the regards and respects of the panelists as well as the few attendees who make it to the well meaning efforts of the organizers.
Mangcha Thagzom an intending candidate for Henglep narrated that he has been a social worker for the past 20 years. Pained by the naked reality of neglect and backwardness of the constituency he decided to throw in his candidature on the hopes that people look beyond his skin and looks and see his sincere heart and intents. He has no money but bank on God Almighty!
J Lhungdim, IDAS one of the panelist deeply pained by the thin attendance compliments the Organizers for the good initiative and hopes the same is carried forward so that free and fair poll becomes a reality. Standing up for the Truth is the need of the hour. Let the fixed and fear selection poll be turn into a free and fair poll indeed!
Daniel Nehlunlal Haokip opines that Democracy was in vogue before the Birth of Jesus Christ. The King then knows power truly rest with the masses and seeks thier approval. Here we are still debating how to ensure our valuable vote is casted before others do so! Sad but that our reality.
June Rose Vaiphei opines that Politics has becomes so dirty one thinks twice to call oneself being a Politician. Politics has become Moneytics: How to earn and the rest to the dustbin! Further she advocated that Religion and Politics should not be mixed. Many an Elder being in politics our Churches has become an Assembly of Devils!
Thangkhosei Haokip, President Kuki Inpi, Manipur lamented our lack of discernment in electing a rightful lawmaker. Development will automatically comes when the rightful person is elected. Let us expand our narrow mindedness fighting for a district headquarter. Pherzawl has materialized. Let Singat, Lamka or more blossom up so that development reach every nook and corners of our land.
Summing it up succinctly with witty quotes and jovial banters making one and all into splits of laughter, L S Gangte pointed out as under: We are all for:-
Free and Fair Poll.
Do no spend money for buying vote.
Do not take money for your vote.
Cast only your valuable vote.
Say no to impersonation.
Do not promote clanist: Phung le Chang politics let us broaden out outlook.
Avoid Door to Door campaigning rather promote distribution of your manifesto and let the voter’s decide thier choice.
TK Samuel, Chairman KNT addressed the participants not to lose sight of the enormity of the task in hand. Small and insignificant our numbers may be God has not neglected us. Our prayers are being answered in abundance. Praise and glory be to Him.
The meet was ably moderated by Rev. Dr. Ginkhanmung Zou, VP SFJ. Opening prayer was initiated by Rev. T. Janglhun, Advisor, SFJ and the concluding prayer announced by Pastor Thanglund, KNT member.