EC reminder for action on poll code violators

Aizawl, Oct 19: The Election Commission of India (EC) has reminded the state government for expeditious punishment of violators of Election Code of Conduct in the 2005 Mizoram assembly by-polls.

In a letter to the Mizoram Chief Secretary, EC secretary K Ajaya requested Mizoram government of the violation of Code of Conduct by two senior bureaucrats in the run-up to the Mizoram state assembly by-elections 2005, with instructions to carry out necessary action against them.

Official sources here today said Kawrthah SDO (Civil) Lalfakzuala and Kawrthah DFO Lalengliana, an Indian Forests Service officer had participated and deliverd speeches at a public meeting called by a political party at Government HS School in Kawrthah on November 17, 2005.

Following a complaint submitted by the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee, the EC had sent an investigation team to look into the incident where the two officials were on unofficial tour.

After thorough investigation, the team had found them guilty and recommended action for violation of election code, but despite EC's order the state government was yet to take any action against them.

Moreover, the EC also objected to the use of a government school for the purpose of a political party's public meeting saying it was against the Code of Conduct and sought for punishment against the principal.

Meanwhile, state Home secretary C Ropianga said departmental proceedings are on in case of the two officials stating that ''as for the then Kawrthah DC, he has been reprimanded. Since one of the two officials is a Central service officer, we have handed over the case to the Joint Cadre Authority. I hope things will be settled soon."

UNI