Persons with disabilities (PWD) in Manipur have expressed dismay over the participation of lesser number of candidates in pre-poll survey conducted for the forthcoming state Assembly elections 2022.
The State Platform of Disabled Peoples’ Organisations (SPDPO) Manipur conducted pre-poll survey on Thursday at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal to get the candidates' views, opinion and activities to be taken by them for the PWD once voted in ensuing 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election. But unfortunately, it was participated by just four candidates out of 265 candidates (as per report).
The candidates are RK Priyobarta (Congress) of Wangkhei Constituency, Paonam Romen (NPP) of Singjamei Constituency, Thounaojam Brinda (JD-U) of Yaiskul Constituency and Soibam Subhashchandra from Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Constituency.
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The candidates had expressed the need of providing right and adequate support to differently abled person. They also assured to take up necessary policies and programmes for PWD that would enable them to live a dignified and content life in society.
Addressing the function, advisor, Disabled Development Association Manipur (DDAM), Kiran Yendrembam said that it is very unfortunate seeing less number of candidates attending the function which is particularly meant for them. This figure itself shows that politician of the state whom people elected as their representatives doesn’t have any interest about promoting welfare of PWD.
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He further said that PWD are not seeking sympathy from society but they want to live a dignified life like normal beings. For this, the right kind of support is much needed but unfortunately so far the state is unable to implement rights to Person with Disabilities 2016 effectively even though politician always assured to bring inclusive form of development.
“Just providing ballot paper voting service, ramp during the election by Election Commission of India to PWD can’t be termed the election as inclusive,” he claimed.
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While appealing to all PWDs to exercise their voting rights cautiously, he said that it is high to vote for people who can bring all round development in the state that caters every section of societies.
Other presidium members during the function were chief advisor, SPDPO, Manipur, Sapam Jashobanta; secretary, Society for Disabled Person, Manipur, Nongmaithem, Iboton Singh; advisor, DDAM, Md Wahajuddin and director, Manipur North Economic Development Association, Peter Rangnamei.
