The Rongmei Luh Phuam (RLP/Rongmei Women Organisation) on Wednesday appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to reschedule the second phase poll of the 12th State general assembly election in regards to the Sabbath day on Saturday keepers among the Christian community.
In a statement, RLP stated that the rescheduling of the first phase of polling from February 27-Sunday to February 28-Monday, was lauded by the Sunday keepers among Christian community. However, it is unfortunate that the second phase poll which was on March 3, Thursday has been rescheduled to March 5, Saturday, as it affects Saturday keepers of Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah Witness, Judaism, Bene Israel, and other denominations, it continued.
“AMCO demanded the deferment of only the first phase so as to avoid Sunday while the second phase, which was on March 3 should not be questionable,” it mentioned.
Questioning the reason behind the change which was not demanded, it added that the Saturday keepers are following the faith being sanctified to rest on the Sabbath Day of Saturday while Islam faith shares Friday and Saturday sacredness.
Urging the ECI to reschedule the second phase polling date appropriately, it appealed to the Government of India, Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju, the chief election commissioner of India and the chief electoral officer, Manipur to extend consideration.
Meanwhile, All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) appealed to ECI to reschedule the 2nd phase poll in regards to “uncertainty of the Seventh Day Adventist Mission (SDA) electors to exercise the voting right on the 2nd phase poll on March 5 which falls on Saturday”.
Extending appreciation to ECI for considering the appeal of the organisation and rescheduling of 1st phase poll, AMCO appealed to ECI to reschedule the 2nd phase poll which falls on Saturday to another day with exclusion of Sunday or Saturday.
