Manipur, March 12 -- The firing had also literally stopped indicating that both sides are keen on the election believing that further fight will ensure postponement of the election. However, as indicated earlier even if there is no firing between the two communities, there can be no free and fair election, as the unlicensed arms with the civilians will only be used in the election. In the last election to the Manipur LegislativeAssembly, using licensed arms people had lost their lives and even candidates were shot. There is very strong apprehension that huge illegal investment will be made in the election, which most likely will lead to the use of firearms for threat and intimidation.

The recent laying of foundation stones and inaugurati...