URF expresses dissatisfaction over denial of voting rights

The Manipur-based United Revolutionary Front (URF) outfit, which has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government, said they were denied the right to vote in the general elections.

However, cadres of the SoO signatory Kuki armed groups cast their votes in their respective designated camps.

Joint Secretary (Northeast) in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Shambhu Singh, clarified that the URF's request to cast votes for the 16th Lok Sabha Elections was received late.

"The proposal was received late. The ECI couldn't do much on it. In case of UPF and KNLO, the proposal came on time. They were allowed to cast their votes within their camps.URF cadres who couldn't and for whom arrangements couldn't be made in the camps, those who held apex were allowed to take leave from the camp and vote," Shambhu Singh said.

The URF had signed a memorandum of understanding with the state and central government in February 2013.

Seven underground outfits of the state have signed a MoU with the Centre.