“We appeal to the government to not hurt the sentiments of a particular religious community and change the date for the polls”, said Asst Professor ZN. Sironbou who moderated mass prayer for the forthcoming 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election
TFM Kangpokpi Representative
The Manipur Theological College on Tuesday urged the Election Commission of India and concerned authority to reschedule polling day, which falls on Sunday.
Holding a mass prayer for the forthcoming 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election 2022 at the College Chapel Hall in Dr. GG. Crozier Mission Compound, Kangpokpi, the theological college welcome the Election Commission of India to conduct elections in Manipur and prayed for the state and the elections as it believes leaders can be from any caste, creed, sex, tribe, people group and that God will, in his wisdom pick the best for us to govern.
The prayer was moderated by Asst Professor ZN Sironbou under the theme “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving, be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” based on 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
However, it is appalled by the election commission’s decision to conduct the polls on Sunday which is a sacred and auspicious day for the Christian as a worshipping community.
“We appeal to the government to not hurt the sentiments of a particular religious community and change the date for the polls”, said ZN. Sironbou.
Rev Dr. Zimik who led the prayer point for the state of Manipur said that we are a state of diversity, mixed people groups, from every possible culture, religion, and race while adding that we pray that we learn to live together in love, respect, and unity.
Rev Dr Paolen Haokip who led the prayer point for the existing leaders who have led us thus far said that we must be thankful for their leadership and pray for their future.
Heshi Singson who led the prayer for the polling day said that votes will be cast without any intimidation, coercion, free and fair election without any violence or problems.
Rev Vipunii who led the prayer for rescheduling the poll day said that we pray that our religious sentiments will not be hurt and shattered, by having the polls on Sunday, which is a very auspicious day for Christians.
A prayer point for all the intending candidates led by Rev Alfred Chiru said that let us pray for all intending candidates that they will intend to stand with pure thoughts of serving the people and not for their personal gains.
He also said that we will pray that God will choose the best leaders for the state in his own good wisdom while casting all the names of the intending candidates of the 60 constituencies and prayed for them.
It may be recalled that the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) had repeatedly appealed to the Election Commission and the state government to rescheduled the poll day which falls on Sunday, February 27 to any other convenient day and ultimately warn to make an adverse decision which could be detrimental to the smooth conduct of the election if the election commission failed to favourably consider the appeals of the CSOs and Church organizations on or before February 10.