Manipur re-poll on Sunday irks Christian body

A Christian organisation has criticised the Election Commission of India's (ECI) decision to conduct re-poll in Manipur on March 4.

The All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) expressed displeasure over the re-poll scheduled on Sunday, which is observed by Christians as a day of worship.

Most of the areas where re-poll had been scheduled were Christian dominated, and holding the polling event on Sunday affects the worship services conducted across the state, AMCO said.

An umbrella body of several church denominations, AMCO was unhappy at the Election Commission of India ignoring its petition to keep Sunday free.

Terming it an 'abomination', the organisation blasted the Chief Election Commissioner of India for its lack of respect and sensitivity to Christians.

Earlier, in 1999, when polling for Lok Sabha election in hill districts was scheduled on Sunday, the Manipur Baptist Convention had filed a case against the Election Commissioner of India's order. It subsequently led to the rescheduling of date for polling.

The second re-poll on Sunday took place in some 67 polling stations across 9 constituencies.

The re-poll was ordered after irregularities were found in voters' photos taken in booths and those found in the electoral rolls.

The constituencies that went for second re-poll are Chandel, Tengnoupal, Chingai, Saikul, Karong, Mao, Tadubi, Tamei and Singhat

According to sources, counting of votes would be done on March 6.