IMPHAL: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is slated to visit Manipur on April 14 as part of his campaign efforts for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, reports confirmed on Thursday.
While details of the visit have been kept confidential, emerging reports suggest that Shah will address a public gathering at the Hapta Kangjeibung ground in Imphal.
“Amit Shah is a prominent campaigner for the BJP, and preparations are already underway for his visit,” the local press quoted a state BJP official.
Diana Khumanthem, the district magistrate of Imphal East, confirmed to the press that permission has been granted for the public meeting.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh is also expected to be in attendance alongside Shah.
Shah’s last visit to Manipur was on May 29 last year, amidst ethnic tensions, during which he stayed for three days.
The Union Home Minister’s visit, however, coincides with restrictions imposed by Arambai Tenggo, an influential Meitei group, on election campaigning for the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha election, scheduled in two phases.
In March, Laishram Robason, representing the group, had stressed on the importance of peace amid the current tense state of affairs in the state.
The group had issued a directive instructing political parties and candidates to refrain from activities such as hoisting flags, conducting door-to-door campaigns, organising political meetings, or holding rallies.
Furthermore, voters were cautioned against participating in lavish feasts after receiving money from candidates in the guise of election campaigns.
Interestingly, despite the issuance of this directive by a civil body, both the Manipur state government and the Centre, led by the BJP, have remained notably silent on the matter.
Polling in Manipur will take place in two phases, with the Inner Manipur seat voting on April 19, and the Schedule Tribe–reserved Outer Manipur constituency voting in two phases—on April 19 and April 26.
