MAYOL continued its statewide campaign for clean elections in Manipur with public meetings at Leimaram and Brahmapur ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.
Imphal, May 23: Manipur Youth League (MAYOL) on Friday continued its statewide mass awareness campaign aimed at promoting a “clean and genuine election system” ahead of the 13th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election scheduled in 2027.
The campaign, titled “Politics: Anouba Laang-on gi Vote” (Politics: Vote for a New Paradigm), was launched by MAYOL on January 16 this year at the auditorium of Manipur University. As part of the year-long programme, the organisation held two separate public meetings on May 22 at Leimaram and Brahmapur to engage with people on issues related to electoral reforms, political participation and social conditions in the state.
The first meeting was organised at Leimaram Kangjeibung Community Hall at around 3 pm. The programme was attended by social scientist Dhanabir Laishram, Leimaram Women Joint Committee president Ningthoujam Sumila, retired IRS officer Moirangthem Joy, senior citizen Ningthoujam Mangoljao, MAYOL president Koijam Suresh, Leimaram Khunlakpa Laichombam Tomba, Leimaram Luplakpa Ningthoujam Tomba and Leimaram Yaipha Lamjing Lup Club president Samjetsabam Budhichandra.
Speaking as a resource person during the meeting, Dhanabir Laishram said the absence of a clean electoral system over many years had contributed to the deterioration of society in different sectors. He stressed the need for people to collectively reflect on the present condition of society and the future direction of the state.
He also said voters should carefully assess the qualifications, capabilities and integrity of candidates before casting their votes and urged people to participate actively in MAYOL’s campaign.
Ningthoujam Sumila, president of the Leimaram Women Joint Committee, said many of the hardships faced by society today stem from the inability of people to take collective decisions and build common understanding on public issues. According to her, divisions within society have weakened collective identity and prevented people from addressing problems together.
MAYOL president Koijam Suresh said people must actively participate in politics instead of remaining passive observers during elections. Referring to the changing political and social situation in the state, he said the culture of depending on favours and emotional decision-making during elections must end.
He added that if people continue discussing and analysing political issues collectively through such meetings, the state could eventually witness the emergence of a peaceful, developed and egalitarian society led by capable and selfless leaders.
The meeting concluded with participants raising slogans including “Eikhoi Niraga Chararoi” (We will not survive by begging) and “Vote Ta Sel Louraroi” (We will not take money for votes), reflecting the campaign’s focus on discouraging money-based electoral practices.
Later in the day, a second public meeting was held at Brahmapur Aribam Leikai at around 4 pm. The programme featured speeches by Wayel Kati editor Hemantakumar Ningomba, Youth’s Club Brahmapur president Adhikarimayum Gichandra and MAYOL vice-president Laishram James.
Addressing the gathering, Laishram James said Manipur, which he claimed had once been economically self-reliant before its merger with India in 1949, had become economically dependent after decades of political and social changes. He also expressed concern over what he described as the decline of moral values, social responsibility and public ethics in society.
James further alleged that substance abuse and drug addiction among youth had become widespread and claimed that Manipur had emerged as a hotspot for poppy cultivation and narco-related activities. According to him, politics remained central to addressing these challenges.
He also stated that MAYOL believes there is a need to revisit the political relationship between Manipur and India in order to find long-term solutions to the issues confronting the state.
Speaking at the programme, Hemantakumar Ningomba said voters should critically examine candidates before electing them to public office. He said a good candidate should be educated, possess knowledge of laws and budgets, maintain good character, have a verifiable source of income and be capable of making political decisions.
Drawing a comparison with the care people exercise while purchasing fish in the market, he urged the public to similarly question and investigate the background and qualifications of electoral candidates before entrusting them with political authority for five years.
According to MAYOL, the awareness campaign will continue in different parts of Manipur in a phased manner to encourage public discussion on politics, governance and elections.
