GUWAHATI: In a significant development, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) in strife-torn Manipur urged the Kuki-Zo tribals on Monday to refrain from contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state.The ITLF, which has been the voice of the community throughout the ethnic conflict, however,advised the Kuki-Zo tribals to exercise their franchise.”ITLF Presidential Council, in consultation with its constituent member tribes, has agreed that no member from the Kuki-Zo community should file nominations for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, considering the plight that we are facing,” the ITLF said in a statement.”As Indian citizens, we advise our community members to exercise their right to franchise by voting but abstain from contesting for the Outer Manipur seat,” the statement further said.The ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis, which broke out on May 3 last year, left 219 people dead and over 60,000 others displaced. The Election Commission said the displaced people, who are lodged in the relief camps, can vote at some special polling stations which will be set up in the relief camps.
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