Shillong, Feb 22: UDP sitting MDC from Jowai North constituency Marki Mulieh has lodged a complaint against a headman and other members of a village for allegedly trying to force all electors to vote for the candidate of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).

In a letter to the Commissioner & Secretary in-charge District Council Affairs (DCA) Tining Dkhar, the sitting MDC said, “I request you to take necessary action in the matter so as to prevent such persons from threatening my supporters and preventing them from exercising their right of franchise in a free and far manner.”

In his complaint, Mulieh has also named as many as 13 persons which include the headman of Mihmyntdu village Lakhon Ryngkhlem, who is also working as a sectional assistant in the Public Works Department.

“It is therefore not out of place to mention that such headman who misuse his authority against legal provision may be stripped at least till elections are over,” he demanded.

The sitting MDC also alleged that the village dorbar convened by the Waheh Shnong (headman) on January 19, have expressed that they will not allow any of the UDP supporters to canvass for the party candidate and anyone found to go against their dictat will be summoned and stern action will be taken against them.

“The intention of these people is to force all electors of the village to vote for the candidate of the NPP who hails from the village itself,” Mulieh said.

Referring to an incident at Saliny colony, Mihmyntdu, he said three persons who are government employees (and also named in the complaint) was involved in the act of using illegal way to try to force his supporters to vote for the NPP candidate.

“Disciplinary action as per the service rules may be initiated against them,” Mulieh said.

The MDC further informed that he had also filed complaints with the West Jaintia Hilld District administration including the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police for necessary action on the matter.

Elections to the two autonomous district councils in Khasi and Jaintia Hills region are slated to be held on February 27.