EC reminder to Mizo govt for action on poll code violators

Aizawl, Oct 19 (UNI) The Election Commission (EC) has urged the Mizoram government to expedite punishment to its two officials charged with violating the model code of conduct during bypolls in the state in 2005.

In a letter to the Mizoram Chief Secretary, EC secretary K Ajaya urged Mizoram government ''to carry out necessary action'' against two senior bureaucrats for violation of the model code of conduct by in the run-up to the Mizoram state assembly by-elections 2005.

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 a government 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 a thorough investigation, the team had found them guilty and recommended action for violation of the 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 punishment against the principal.

Meanwhile, state Home secretary C Ropianga said departmental proceedings are on in the case of stating ''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''.

UNI BB-SNR BA YA DB1319