Chapter 10

“Deeper Introspection on Electoral Politics” in the context of Phungyar Constituency
Epao/PR by Dr. Rimai Joy

Delhi today witnessed another huge gathering concerning electoral reforms with special reference to Phungyar Constituency. The meeting was attended by around 120 people in the Conference Hall of Delhi University to discuss and introspect deeper on the electoral politics and the prevailing situation back home for an inclusive and progressive change to be ushered in Phungyar constituency.

The meeting participants included government employees, research scholars, private employees, leaders, students, and well-wishers from both Phungyar constituency and other part of Ukhrul district staying in Delhi NCR.


Gearing up for 2017 to 2019: BJP versus the Cong in NE July 18 2016
Sangai Express Editorial

BJP versus the Congress. This is primarily what it is going to be when the North East States of Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh go to polls from 2017 to 2019. Early days yet but with the exception of Tripura, where the Left Front has been holding sway for decades, the choice before the voters will obviously be between the Congress and the BJP-one a party which has ruled the country for the greater part of the time after India gained independence in 1947 but now appears to be in the ICU and the other a party which is riding the popularity wave. To the North East States what happens in other parts of the country may not count for much, but it is interesting to note that the BJP has already managed to make inroads into the region, following its stupendous showing at Assam where it unseated the Congress party. That the BJP is serious about making inroads into the region can best be summed up by floating the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) wherein it has entered into some sort of a pact with regional political parties of the region such as the Naga People’s Front, the Sikkim Democratic Front, the People’s Party of Arunachal Pradesh, the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodoland People’s Front. Moreover significant to note that Assam strongman Himanta Kumar Biswa has been appointed the convenor of the newly floated NEDA.

First it will be Manipur, which is set to go to polls in the early part of next year. Tough to say which way the wind will blow, but already the BJP has started breathing down the neck of the Congress party and a party which swept aside all challenges in the 2012 Assembly election may be pressed hard in 2017. Also interesting to note that from a party which had no MLA when the State voted in 2012, the BJP today has two MLAs who seem to be active and ready to pick holes with the Government. And remember this is the third consecutive term that the Congress has been in power here. It is also significant to note that the Naga People’s Front, which has a strong presence in the Naga dominated hill districts of the State is part of NEDA and when the moment of reckoning comes it is more than likely that they will throw their weight behind the BJP. So probably the Congress may not have a strong ally, either at the valley area or the hill districts in the State, when Manipur goes to polls in 2017 and this may not work to its advantage. This could be because the Congress did so well in the 2012 Assembly election that it did not feel the need to strike any sort of understanding with any of the other regional parties here. A strong example that there is nothing permanent in politics and how the poll verdict here comes out will surely impact on the other North East States too.


BJP notes NFSA complaintsThe Sangai Express
Imphal, July 19 2016: The State BJP is not taking lightly the complaints regarding discrepancies in the implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) in the State, convener of State BJP Election Management Committee Th Chaoba said. Addressing media persons today at BJP office located at Nityapat Chuthek, Th Chaoba said that complaints regarding discrepancies in the implementation of NFSA, which was launched in the State by the CM a few months back, have been pouring in from different quarters on a daily basis.

Chaoba accused the State Govt officials of taking personal advantage of the benefits meant for the poor through delaying tactics. Although the NFSA was enforced in 2013, the same was launched here in April this year only.


BJP opens CCpur officeThe Sangai Express

CCpur, July 21 2016: With an eye on the upcoming Assembly election, the State BJP today made a grand entry in the district, amidst a raging dispute on the party's district functionaries, and set up an office which is claimed to be the legitimate one at Light House Lane here.

The convenor of the party's election committee Th Chaoba; Adim Pamei, vice-president State BJP; V Hangkhanlian, vice-president State BJP; T Mangi, vice-president State BJP; I Mangiton Singh, vice-president State BJP; O Malesh Singh, secretary State BJP and several other executives of the party at the State and the district level graced and addressed the function dubbed as an inauguration of the district BJP office and felicitation of the new BJP president, the convenor and the vice-president from the district.


Leishiyo Keishing interacts with locals
The Sangai Express

Thoubal, July 21 2016: No border trade took place with Myanmar for the past 60 years along the Ukhrul-Myanmar border areas. The area bordering Myanmar remained under developed due to lack of vision of elected leaders, said social activist Er Leishiyo Keishing during a public interaction cum discussion programme held at Town Hall, Kamjong in Ukhrul district yesterday.

The interaction programme was hosted by Bungpa Khullen village. Besides stressing the necessity to expedite border trade with Myanmar in the area, Leishiyo Keishing said that people of the border area could achieve self reliance through border trade. He said that the same can be achieved through sincere, transparent and accountable acts of the leaders concerned.


LNC against Nepalese campaign
The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 21 2016: In the wake of the recent 'flagrant campaign' of the Nepali community living in Manipur asserting themselves as the native of the State and their consequent demand for village administration authority, the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC- M) has made its resolute stand on the issue and appealed to the Nepali community to refrain from indulging in acts that has the potential to nurture trust deficit between the Nepalese and the indigenous tribal population.

In a statement, LNC said that a good chunk of Nepalese are living in Liangmai ancestral land under the so called Sadar Hills areas. Apart from some strayed individuals based outside the area who consistently plan and instigate ideas to disturb the peaceful existence, the age old landowner-tenant relationship between the native tribal Nagas and Nepalese have been in practice till today.


Minister rules out foul play
The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 22 2016 : CAF&PD Minister Ksh Biren has categorically stated that there is no question of forfeiture, diversion or siphoning off of rice meant for distribution to beneficiaries of NFSA. Speaking to media persons at his Old Secretariat office today, Ksh Biren stated that the Government has started distribution of rice at Rs 3 per Kg to beneficiaries under NFSA.

Informing that generation of ration cards is also on the verge of completion, Biren stated rice quotas which could not be lifted earlier are still stocked at the department's Sangaiprou godown and the same can be lifted any time. If any beneficiary does not get the exact quantity of rice entitled to him/her under NFSA and he/she lodges a complaint under Section 8 of the same Act, there are arrangements for the Government to pay 'food security allowance', Biren informed.

Reacting to BJP Manipur Pradesh election campaign committee convenor Th Chaoba's allegation about rice scam in the State, Ksh Biren asserted that there is no question of diversion or siphoning off of rice entitled to NFSA beneficiaries.


NGO slams State Government
The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 22 2016 : While slamming the State Government's initiative to construct a power sub-station inside Yairipok Government Aided High School, the United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNMM) Women Committee has urged the Government to spare the school campus and construct the power sub-station at a suitable site. Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club yesterday, the Women Committee convenor Mangshatabam Sobita said that Yairipok Aided High School has 460 students against 19 teachers.

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