EC requests Mizoram govt to ensure peaceful polls

Amid protests in Mizoram demanding the removal of the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged the Mizoram government to take all possible measures required to ensure peaceful polls in the state.

The Election Commission in a letter to the Mizoram government also informed that the Principal Secretary (Home) L Chuaungo has been removed from his post after observing the sequence of past two months and his role, in great detail.

Chuaungo's removal came after Shashank earlier complained to the EC about the interference of the state in the upcoming assembly elections. He also mentioned Chuaungo's alleged involvement in the revision of the electoral rolls and using the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

The people of Mizoram have been protesting against Shashank, alleging that he is biased in conducting the upcoming Mizoram Assembly Elections.

In the complaint letter, he mentioned the alleged insensitivity regarding voting rights of the Bru community of Mizoram, who stay in relief camps in Tripura.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding Shashank's removal.

A three-member committee has also been constituted by the EC to look into the matter.

Mizoram will go to polls on November 28. Results will be declared on December 11. It is the only state in the North-East where the Congress party is currently in power.