BJP holds review meeting at CCpur
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 29 2016: BJP Manipur
Pradesh today held a review meeting on the party’s organisational matters and
its election campaign in Churachandpur district. The meeting held at BJP
Churachandpur office was attended by many members of BJP Churachandpur District
Executive Committee members. Speaking at the meeting, BJP Manipur Pradesh State
election management committee convenor Th Chaoba said that the Congress
Government has been neglecting the hill areas of Manipur for the past 15 years.
The incumbent Chief Minister is not a
Chief Minister for the whole State. He is a Chief Minister of Thoubal district
alone, charged Chaoba. Rather than working to resolve different issues
pertaining to hill areas in a democratic manner, the Government has been trying
to resolve the issues arbitrarily and forcibly which only aggravated the
already volatile situation. To address the plight of common people, one should
stop voting for Congress party, he said.
BJP alleges fund misappropriation
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 29 2016: BJP Mayang
Imphal Mandal has accused local MLA and Education Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar of
swindling MLA Local Area Development Fund. BJP Mayang Imphal Mandal president
Irom Rabi said that they visited six places where different development
programmes were taken up purportedly. But the spot verification found that Rs
34 lakh were swindled without doing any work.
There is no children/orphan home at
Mayang Imphal Konchak and no such home is found in the official list of Social
Welfare Department, Rabi said. He then asked as to how the compound wall of the
non-existent children/orphan home was constructed with the MLA Local Area
Development Fund. No new community hall has been constructed near Lai Awang
Soraren during the current term. But it was said that its fences have been
constructed. He alleged that funds were swindled after re-naming different
projects.
BJP demands forfeiture of Prithviraj
entitlements
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 29
A day after the Supreme Court upheld
nullification of Congress MLA Moirangthem Prithviraj Singh’s election Manipur
unit BJP is set to seek forfeiture of the expenses made on the legislator
elected from Moirang Assembly constituency. The Supreme Court yesterday upheld
the ruling passed by Manipur high court last year that had declared that
election of Prithviraj Singh’s election null and void
Following an appeal from Pukhrem
Saratchandra Singh, who contested on NCP ticket against Prithviraj Singh filed
an application immediately after the 2012 election results declared that
Prithviraj Singh was elected from Moirang Assembly constituency in Bishnupur
district, the high court in February this year declared “null and void”
Prithviraj’s election for giving false election affidavit on his educational
qualification. In his affidavit, Prithviraj claimed that he had an MBA degree,
which, the petitioner alleged, was false.
UNC shuts Naga territories during
Chakkouba fest
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 29
The United Naga Council(UNC) imposed a
48 hour total shut down followed by indefinite economic blockade including
banning of construction of Trans-Asian railways, Jiribam to Tupul and other
national projects in all the Naga territories with effect from tomorrow
midnight against “lopsided” decision to create the Sadar Hills and Jiribam into
full fledged districts by “the communal government of Manipur.”
It may mentioned here that one of the biggest festival of the Meiteis’ ‘Ningol
Chakkouba’ falls on November 1. In a statement SK Stephen, information and
publicity secretary of UNC said every indigenous Naga village has its own
well-defined traditional boundary and jurisdiction since time immemorial. “There
has never been any confusion on the ancestral land of the Nagas be it among the
Nagas or with the neighboring communities. The indigenous Nagas
have all along been fighting against the arbitrary bifurcation and
division of our land without our knowledge and consent,” the statement said.
RK Imo seeks terrorist tag for IM
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL| October 29
MLA RK Imo Singh, Sagolband A/C strongly
condemned the attack on Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh during his visit at
Ukhrul town and demanded both the centre and the state government to ban the
organisation involved in the attack. Imo demanded to announce the group as
terrorist group as such activities are carried out only by terrorist. The
Sagolband MLA was speaking to media persons in a family pension distribution
program at his residence at Sagolband Bijoy Govinda leirak mamang today.
He said the attack was not against a
community or caste but against the whole institution and against all the people
of Manipur. He said the attack is very unfortunate and a condemnable act and
should not be allowed in a democratic state. Without naming the organisation,
MLA RK Imo Singh said the organisation who are against the Chief Minister visit’s
in Ukhrul district also must be banned and announced them as terrorist.
BJP seeks to wrest CcP constituencies
Imphal Free Press
CHURACHANDPUR | October 29
A team of the state BJP led by state
election convenor Th Chaoba and vice president and Churachandpur in charge
Asnikumar Singh came down to the district party office and met district leaders
including BJP Churachandpur president Hangkhanlian and discussed the party’s
preparedness for the coming 2017 election. Following the meeting, the leaders
also called a press conference and expressed confidence of the party doing a
clean sweep in the state general election 2017.
Chaoba said the BJP will sweep the
election and the Congress will be unable to even reach the two-digit number
although it is holding absolute majority in the state Legislative Assembly. In
both the Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts, which are Congress strongholds,
we will get all the seats, he said adding Churachandpur is the second biggest
town in the state and that he is confident of the BJP winning all six seats. The
Congress has neglected development for long, he said adding that there are
still district headquarters in the hill district which is not accessible, and
the Chief Minister has to use a helicopter to reach such destination, he added.
No reprieve for Prithiviraj
SC dismisses appeal against HC order
cancelling his election
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 28
The Supreme Court (SC) of India today
dismissed the appeal of Parliamentary Secretary M Prithviraj Singh, challenging
the order of the High Court of Manipur which declared his election as MLA of
Moirang constituency null and void. The judgement was today passed by a
division bench comprising of Justice L Nageswara Rao and Justice Anila R Dave.
The SC upheld the findings recorded by
High Court of Manipur that the false declaration relating to the educational
qualification made by the appellant (Prithviraj) is substantial nature. Referring
to various references and law laid down by it (SC), the bench stated that every
voter has a fundamental right to know about the educational qualification. It
said that there was no dispute that the appellant did not study in the Mysore
University.
Bhabananda sets record straight for new
entrants
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 28
Everyone is welcome in BJP but one should
not join the party merely on the expectation of BJP ticket for the ensuing
assembly elections, says state BJP chief Ksh Bhavananda. The party chief made
this statement while speaking at the reception of former Trinamool leader MI
Khan of Keirao constituency, Th Thoiba of Wangoi constituency, some pradhans
and elected persons for Tronglaobi gram Panchayat, Ngangkhalawai, Kwakta Nagar
panchayat and Phubala of Moirang constituency who joined BJP today.
He said, any person who believes in the
ideology of BJP is welcome but there is no room for persons who come to join
with expectations of the party ticket. BJP is working for a change in the
political scenario of the state after 15 years of Congress misrule under the
leadership of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, he asserted. He further said, 2017
assembly election would be a judgement day for the Congress and the Ibobi
government which has dragged Manipur into a difficult situation today.
Disruption charge against BJP workers
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 28
The Keibul Lamjao Congress Mahila Unit
alleged that the disruption created at the one day political conference of the
Congress held at Phouoibee Lairebmi Community Hall, Keibul Lamjao yesterday was
the handiwork of the Bharatiya Janata Party aimed at maligning the sitting MLA
Tongbram Mangibabu of the Thanga Assembly constituency and extracting electoral
gains for their prospective candidate Moirangthem Ashwini Kumar in the
forthcoming assembly election.
Speaking to media persons at a press
meet held at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul, Imphal today vice-president of
Keibul Lamjao Congress Mahila Unit, Ningthoujam (O) Mema Devi said the people
of Thanga Assembly constituency condemns the BJP for using its ‘few local women
workers’ in disrupting the political conference of the Congress which is
against the spirit of the free and fair electioneering.
Stating that the Indian Constitution
permits any political party to organise election meeting during election times,
she asked as to how and why the BJP women workers tried to disrupt the
political meeting of the Congress without making any prior announcement about
such restrictions earlier. Reiterating that the Congress women workers respect
the fact that the residence of the BJP’s candidate is in the locality but the
unbecoming behaviour of the BJP women workers had enraged them, she said the
party with the support of the people will continue holding such meetings
anywhere in the constituency as and when required.
No one can stop CM from visiting Ukhrul:
Anand
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 28
Congress MLA of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa RK
Anand has today lambasted the recent attack on CM Okram Ibobi during his Ukhrul
visit. Speaking at the inauguration of a community hall at Meitram Awang
Leikai, the MLA said no one can stop a Chief Minister from inaugurating the
Ukhrul district hospital and the government will show Ukhrul is under the
administration of Manipur.
If needed the whole of Manipur will
march to Ukhrul and will prove Ukhrul is under Manipur administration, he said.
The attack on the Chief Minister is an attack on the people of the state, he
said adding that it was a challenge to the state government.
He further claimed frontal organisations
of the NSCN (IM) of spreading false propaganda to disturb the territorial
integrity of the state since the signing of the ceasefire between the outfit
and the centre. He charged the BJP of supporting the NSCN (IM). If the BJP
really thinks of the state, then it is time to pressurise the centre to reveal
the contents of the NSCN (IM) framework agreement, he added.
Legislative Watch, Ukhrul launched at
Ukhrul
Imphal Free Press
UKHRUL | October 28
Realising the urgent need to make the
people’s representatives more accountable and to further strengthen and
maintain a more nuance relationship within the framework of the democratic
system, a apolitical group by the name “Legislative Watch, Ukhrul” was
officially launched in Ukhrul. “To have a more holistic society, changes must
begin from the self. Let this small step be a stepping stone towards building a
more vibrant place for the people of Ukhrul and Manipur,” Legislative Watch
Ukhrul convenor AC Raising said in his brief remark about the intent of the
newly launched watch group. Making people’s representatives truly answerable
and accountable to the people should have been put into place long time back,
said co-convenor Dr Achan Mungleng in her speech.
Petitions of Prithiviraj, Saratchandra
dismissed SC upholds HC’s ‘null and void election result’ ruling
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 28 2016: A division
bench of the Supreme Court has today ruled that it will not interfere in the
judgement passed by the High Court of Manipur which had declared the election ‘announced
to Moirang Assembly Constituency in 2012 as null and void,’ which then had elected
Mairembam Prithiviraj as the MLA.
The High Court of Manipur passed its
verdict following a complaint filed by P Saratchandra that Prithiviraj had
furnished false information, pertaining to his educational qualification, while
filing his nomination paper to contest the 2012 Assembly election. At the same
time, the Supreme Court also returned the plea filed by P Saratchandra which
prayed that since the election has been declared null and void, he be declared
the elected MLA from Moirang AC.
BJP loses 41 members
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 26 2016: 41 primary
members of the BJP Heingang Mandal have submitted their resignation papers to
the BJP State Unit president today. Addressing media persons at a press meet
held at Manipur Press Club today, BJP Heingang Mandal State councillor and
executive member Y Mangi said BJP Heingang Mandal was set up two years ago with
the hard work of the party members.
The mandal learned about Heingang AC MLA
N Biren joining BJP through newspapers. The MLA did not approach BJP Heingang
Mandal for party membership, he added.
“We have heard that corruption has no
place for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA Government, but how come
corrupt Congress Ministers and MLAs are easily welcomed into the fold of BJP?
If the BJP hopes to strengthen itself by welcoming corrupt members than we do
not want to remain in the party any more,” Mangi said. Y Mangi along with 40
other primary member of BJP Heingang Mandal submitted their resignation papers
to the BJP State Unit president today.
BJP rallies against drug trafficking
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 26
The state BJP president K Bhabananda
today flagged off a motor rally from Thoubal to Tarung village in Thangmeiband
under the theme ‘save the youth, root out drug smuggler’, which was
participated by more than 5000 youths. K Bhabananda at the sidelines of the
rally said that the rally has been initiated by BJP leader MLA Kh Joykishan,
organised by the BJYM Manipur unit to give message to the people of the state
to save the youths from the menace of drugs.
Former MLA Yumkham Irabot said that in
2013 January 11 the state intelligence unit SIU had seized a huge consignment
of drugs from Imphal International Airport worth crores of rupees. On the same
day, the Home department had transferred Inspector K Ranjit immediately as a ‘reward’
for the good job.
BJP leaders, workers join INC en-masse
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL October 26
More than 60 BJP leaders and workers
today joined the ruling Congress en-masse and they were given a warm reception
by the Manipur PCC leaders at a simple function held at the Congress Bhavan here. The BJP leaders who
joined the Congress include one state councillor/executive member, Up-Adhakshya
of Imphal East district, vice-president of Imphal East district, pradhan,
Kontha Khabam G P, office bearers of BJP Heingang Mandal, president Mahila
Morcha and office bearers of Mahila Morcha, president BJYM and office bearers
of BJYM and BJP active workers joined the Congress today.
Those who switched sides include Y Mangi
Singh state councillor and executive member and P Sunder, Up-Adhakshya of the
BJP. Mangi and Sunder are BJP ticket aspirants from Heingang constituency.
Welcoming the new entrants MPCC president T N Haokip said joining by the 62 BJP
leaders and workers will strengthened hands of the Congress party.
Trinamool demands Gaikhangam’s
resignation
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 26
Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress has
called for the resignation of the Deputy CM Gaikhangam who holds the home
portfolio for the attack on CM at Ukhrul on October 24. Talking to the press at
her Sanjenthong office Trinamool chief Kim Gangte said, it is case of
intelligence failure and inability to maintain law and order in the state. She
said, it is very surprising that the state administration cannot make its
presence felt in the hill districts either in terms law and order or
governance.
Differing with the decision of
suspension of 10 police personnel Kim Gangte said, the home minister Gaikhangam
should resign on moral ground. She expressed her disappointment at PM Narendra
Modi’s silence with regard to the attack on Manipur CM. She said, all political
parties should be united in condemning the incident.
BJP demands NIA probe into Ukhrul attack
on Ibobi
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 25
Manipur BJP demanded an inquiry by an
independent body like the NIA or the CBI to yesterday’s firing incident in
Ukhrul during chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s visit yesterday. The demand is
made in a memorandum submitted to Union home minister Rajnath Singh and DoNER
minister Jitendra Singh today. Addressing a press conference at the BJP head
office here, party president K Bhabananda said the BJP strongly condemned the
firing incident that took place during Ibobi Singh and some minister’s visit to
Ukhrul district to launch development projects. “It is very unfortunate that
armed miscreants have left two police personnel injured in violence during the
chief minister’s visit,” the president said.
BJP poster campaign at Langdum
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 25
The BJP Keirao Mandal today kicked off
its poster campaign at Keirao Langdum village as part of the state wide poster
campaign under the aegis of the state BJP. The campaign was participated by
workers and supporters of BJP. The four BJP intending candidates of Keirao
Kendra eastern side - Ningthoujam Itomba Meetei, Salam Lala Singh, Thongram
Gope and Thongram Tonym BJP Keirao Mandal vice president Shamchetshabam
Meghachandra, Social development committee, Keirao Kendra eastern side convener
Salam Hemba led the poster campaign.
Speaking to reporters at the sidelines
of the campaign, Social development committee Keirao Kendra eastern side
convener Salam Hemba said that the poster campaign aims at convincing the
voters in Keirao Assembly constituency about the pressing need to project a
competent local MLA who would ensure all round development in the neglected
constituency.
Scrap NSCN (IM) truce: Congress
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 25
Condemning yesterday’s attack on the
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on his visit to Ukhrul by the suspected NSCN-IM,
members of the MPCC today burnt effigies of NSCN-IM leader, Thuingaleng Muivah,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang in front of
BT Park this afternoon. A large number of MPCC volunteers came out from the
party office and burnt the effigies. Slogans like ‘TR Zeliang Murdabad’ were
also raised and later the volunteers marched towards the office taking a round
of the Khwairamband Bazar.
During the rally, MPCC secretary, M
Subhaschandra Singh expressed that the attack on the state Chief Minister is
masterminded by NSCN-IM. Such steps to disintegrate the harmony of the state
have been pursuing by the NSCN-IM, Prime Minister of India and Nagaland Chief
Minister, he alleged.
IT initiatives for Assembly polls
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 25
Preparations for the 2017 assembly
elections are in full swing and the election office is set to use new IT initiatives
and apps to improve facilitations of various stakeholders like electors,
political parties and candidates and to ensure efficient and effective
monitoring of the election processes and redress of public grievances. This was
stated by the Chief Electoral Officer VK Dewangan during a press briefing held
at the conference hall of the Secretariate South block today.
He said, IT initiatives such as
Samadhan, Suvidha and Sugam will be applied. Samadhan is an online grievance
registration and redress system for any complaints/ grievances/ concerns and
suggestions through mobile, emails etc. The concerned officers are directed to
enquire into complaints within a specific time-limits and close the case with
feedback to the complainant, if the time limit is breached, there is provision
of automatic escalation to the higher officers.
Suvidha is online software to provide
single window clearance within 24 hrs for the permission in all the
constituencies. Sugam is an efficient web based application for managing the
vehicles requisitioned from private owners during Elections. The CEO further
assured that vehicles requisitioned for the election will be paid in time by
transferring advanced amount to the owners’ bank account and the balance will
be paid as soon as the election processes are over. The CEO said, EVMs has been
installed in 60 Higher Secondary Schools, 80 Colleges and 60 voter’s
facilitation centres in all districts. Assistant CEOs RK Dinesh Singh and H
Modak and other officials of the Election department also attended the
briefing.
Ibobi sets record straight, says all
projects completed for inauguration
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 25 2016: Chief Minister
O Ibobi has categorically stated that all the projects which the State
Government planned for inauguration yesterday were completed. Meanwhile, a team
led by an IPS officer has started investigating the violent attacks which took
place before and during the Chief Minister’s visit to Ukhrul. Ten police
personnel have been kept under suspension in connection with the case.
The SP of Ukhrul police has issued an
order to this effect today evening and added that they have been placed under
suspension for dereliction of duty. The suspended policemen did nothing to
prevent the bandh supporters from burning tyres on the middle of the road and
putting up barricades which stopped the CM and his team from proceeding to the
place of the function, said the SP.
Poll preparations on smoothly : CEO
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 25 2016: Preparation for
the upcoming 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly election 2017 is going on
smoothly and methods through new softwares will be used to address public
grievances, stated Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vivek Kumar Dewangan while
addressing mediapersons in a press conference held at Conference Hall,
Secretariat South Block.
The CEO stated that steps to improve
facilitation of various stakeholders like electors, political parties and
candidates to ensure efficient and effective monitoring of election processes
and redressal of public grievances will be taken up by using three different
softwares. He added that new softwares like Samadhan, Suvidha and Shugam will
be used to ensure that the grievances and problems of all stakeholders are well
received. Every channel available including telephone (1950), email,
social-media and online will be used.
MPP slams poor response
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 25 2016: In the
aftermath of the attack on Chief Minister O Ibobi and his Ministerial team at Ukhrul
yesterday, MPP has today criticised the Government’s failure to give a
befitting reply to the attack. Stating that it has taken a serious view of the
incident, MPP in a statement dubbed said that Chief Minister and his team had
to return to Imphal without inaugurating the projects was as an insult to the
people of Manipur.
Comparing the CM to a landlord who is
unable to perform necessary rites in his own house, the party said that the
existence of the Government has no meaning if it does not have the capability
to inaugurate projects in a district of its own State. It also asked the State
Government the reasons for not taking up any initiative to root out NSCN (IM)
from the soil of Manipur and why the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has not been
declared an anti-social organisation. This despite the fact that the Deputy CM
had dubbed the Ukhrul attack as an act of war against the State Government, it
added.
Somi Awungshi to contest election on BJP
ticket
The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, October 25 2016: Politician
turned social activist Somi Awungshi said he would contest on BJP ticket in the
forthcoming State Assembly election, 2017. Awungshi in an exclusive interaction
with this correspondent said he would prioritize and give attention to rural
development if elected to power.
He said the BJP, under the able
leadership of Prime minister Narendra Modi is moving the country forward. He
said the NDA Government is ready to pump in maximum funds for all round
development of the State but it is impossible with the congress led SPF
Government ruling the State. “Let BJP form Government in the State and
experience the changes”, Awungshi said.
Former minister Natum joins BJP
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Oct 24
Former ministers, Soram Natum Singh, of
Sagolband Assembly constituency along with his workers have joined the BJP in a
simple reception function held on October 23 at the residence of former MLA
Khwairakpam Loken Singh. According to a release the function was attended by
BJP leaders of Sagolband unit. Kh Loken during the reception function lauded
Natum on his joining the party and expressed gratefulness for the latter’s
assurance to support him in the upcoming Assembly election.
NSCN-IM ‘waging war’ against state,
alleges Gaikhangam
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 24
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who is
also holding the Home portfolio, today termed the attack on Chief Minister
Okram Ibobi and entourage in Ukhrul as an act of waging war against the state.
Speaking to media persons at his office today, the Deputy Chief Minister
strongly condemning the act terming it as “uncivilised and cowardly” suspected
that the attack could be carried out by NSCN-IM.
He said that the assailant used lethode,
fired automatic rifles during the attacks injuring two personnel of the state
force. He said that the matter will be put up for serious discussion with the
Government of India as the NSCN-IM is under cease-fire agreement with the
centre. The NSCN-IM has yet again violated the ground rules by using highest
form of violence against the state leaders.
DoNER minister proposes modern
technology to expedite dev projects
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 24
Union Minister of State (Independent
Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh who is on a two-day visit to the state,
elaborated on ways to expedite new and on-going projects in the state with
maximum use of modern technology, during a press conference held at the Old
Secretariat, today. Jitendra will leave the state tomorrow.
The union minister also expressed
concern on the issue of regional connectivity and his desire to introduce some
modalities for efficient connectivity. He also spoke on the feasibility of some
kind of mobile dispensary which would help the patients in far flung areas of
the region. Jitendra who was informed of the attack on Chief Minister Okram
Ibobi Singh and his entourage at Ukhrul earlier in this morning, expressed his
happiness at Chief Minister’s safe return after the incident.
On the condition of national highway 37,
the union minister chuckled “I know you will have to swim instead of driving.”
Bombs, bullets greet CM and team at
Ukhrul, inauguration programme aborted
The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, October 24 2016: Gunfire, bombs
and intense protest greeted Chief Minister O Ibobi and his team when the
chopper carrying them landed at Bakshi ground at Ukhrul district headquarters
forcing them to return home without inaugurating some projects today. The
attack on the Chief Minister and his team came amid the boycott call issued by
the Tangkhul Naga Long and the projects to be inaugurated included the district
hospital, 132/32 KV sub-station, 33/11 KV sub-station, SDO/BDO office and
banks.
Volunteers of Tangkhul Naga Long,
incensed that the Chief Minister and his team had tried to violate the boycott
call set afire two vehicles. Two IRB jawans were injured in four bomb
explosions which started from about 12.10 am today.
BJP holds political conferences, rally
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 24 2016: The Bharatiya
Janata Party continues to hold political conferences and public rallies ahead
of the Assembly Elections. Thanga Mandal BJP, Mahila Morcha Committee,
yesterday, organised a political conference at Keibul Lamjao Mayai Leikai. The
conference was graced by Th Chaoba Singh, convenor, State Election Management
Committee, BJP Manipur Pradesh.
During the conference, Chaoba appealed
to the people of Thanga to support and elect the M Asnikumar Singh in the
forthcoming Assembly election. Former Minister S Ibohal Singh; A Biren Singh,
proprietor of Kangla Food Products; M Asnikumar Singh; H Kangjamba Singh, ex
Minister; O Ibojao Sigh, ex ZO; Thablamana Devi; Maipakpi Devi and M Shanti
Devi were also present at the conference.
Cong MLA Ranjit slams defectors
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 24 2016: Congress MLA K
Ranjit has slammed Congress MLAs who have defected from the party and joined
the BJP. Speaking at the inaugural function of a newly constructed community
hall at Thoubal Haokha Mamang, K Ranjit said that the defectors were earlier
blaming BJP for conspiring to disintegrate Manipur but after they joined BJP
they started making completely contradictory statements.
Parliamentary Secretary K Meghachandra,
MLA Okram (O) Landhoni, Thoubal Municipal Council vice-chairperson Kh Thambal
and Manipur University of Culture Librarian Dr Th Khomdon were also present at
the inaugural function. In a democratic country, electioneering should be
carried out with utmost respect and love for citizens. But some people have
been carrying out electioneering activities by threatening voters, Ranjit said.
MLA Ibomcha files sedition case against
Zeliang
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 23
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang finds
himself in a spot after an FIR was lodged against him by NCP MLA from
Keishamthong constituency, for his alleged attempt to “breach” the state’s
unity and territorial integrity. Speaking at a recent conference at Yaikongpao
village of Senapati district, Zeliang had called for de-recognition of “artificial
boundaries” drawn across Naga ancestral land on the ground that the Naga
villages were “village republics” and never part of Manipur’s Meitei (Manipuri)
kingdom.
“The land, inhibited by the Nagas, was
never part of the Meitei kingdom. It was brought under the geographical
boundary of Manipur by the British for administrative conveniences. As such,
the Nagas must not allow anyone to take away their land and administrative
system,” Zeliang had appealed.
In the FIR filed at an Imphal police
station on Saturday, the Manipur MLA, L Ibomcha Singh of the Nationalist
Congress Party, accused the Nagaland CM of sedition. “His speech was offensive and seditious in
nature. It will create communal disharmony, particularly between the Nagas and the
Meiteis,” Ibomcha alleged.
Earlier, Manipur Chief Minister Okram
Ibobi Singh, besides some Manipuri organisations and politicians, had slammed
Zeliang. “Unlike Manipur (which was
annexed with the Indian Union following India’s independence), Nagaland
was never a nation. It was carved out of
Assam (in 1963),” Ibobi had retorted.
CPI (M-L) Liberation rebukes Nagaland CM’s
speech
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 23
The Communist Party of India, CPI
(Marxist-Leninism) Liberation, Manipur State Committee lambasted the Nagaland
Chief Minister TR Zeliang for giving controversial speech at the first
conference of the Naga Village Authority held at Yaikongpao (Tagaramphung) in
Senapati district on October 19.
Addressing a press meet held at its head
office at Sagolband Tera Thingbaijam Leikai here today, secretary of CPI (M-L)
Liberation Manipur State Committee Sapam Samungou Singh termed the speech as
unconstitutional and condemnable by every citizen of India.
He said that Zeliang became Chief Minister
after taking oath in the name of constitution to safeguard the Indian
Constitution and integrity of Indian nation but he resorted to delivering
unconstitutional speech threatening the unity and integrity of the nation.
Chaoba has no ear for Ibobi’s clarification
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 23
State BJP leader Th Chaoba today
rejected Chief Minister Okram Ibobi’s denial of knowledge of the framework
agreement signed between NSCN-IM and the Indian government. He said, if CM
Ibobi does not really know the contents of the agreement he should make public
the one-to-one talk he had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice at PMO.
Th Chaoba who is also the convenor of
the BJP election management committee was today speaking at a political
convention at Bramhapur Aribam Leikai of Yaiskul assembly constituency.
Another political convention was also
held at Awang Wabagai Public ground of Lamsang constituency. At the Bramhapur
Aribam Leikai conference all BJP ticket aspirants were present and they signed
an understanding to support and endorse whoever gets the BJP ticket.
LJP political convention held at Naorem
Leikai
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL| October 23
A one day political conference of Lok
Janashakti Party Langthabal Kendra was today held at Naorem Leikai Lairembi
ground here at Imphal. The convention was organized by Naorem Leikai polling
committees of polling number 20/16, 20/17, 20/18 and 20/19. The main agenda for
the conference was to discuss on electing party candidate and sitting MLA of
Langthabal A/C Karam Shyam in the upcoming 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly
election to be held on 2017.
Pointing out the corrupt political
system in the state, Shyam said “we politicians violate the voting rights of
general public with false promises during election time which fails to keep
after coming to power”. He opined the main cause of violation of rights is
often linked with distribution of money by candidates during election time. Such
anti-social activities have been the biggest challenge in front of him.
BJP poster campaign kicks off at Keirao
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | October 23
As part of the state wide election
poster campaign launched by BJP Manipur Pradesh, workers and sympathisers of
BJP Keirao Mandal launched a poster campaign in the constituency today. Four
aspiring BJP candidates of Keirao Kendra eastern side namely Ningthoujam Itomba
Meetei, Salam Lala Singh, Thongram Gope and Thongram Tony, BJP Keirao Mandal
president Sh Meghachandra and convenor of Social Development Committee, Keirao
Kendra eastern side Salam Hemba led the poster campaign.
Keirao Makting Zilla Parishad Member Md
Abdul Salam also took part in the campaign. He promised to provide financial
assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the consensus candidate of Keirao Kendra eastern
side who gets BJP ticket.
CM, Dy CM take pot shots at BJP
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 23 2016: Urging the
people to continue supporting the Congress, Chief Minister O Ibobi has today
appealed to all to back the Congress party in the coming election in 2017 and
ensure that the party is returned to power. Speaking at a one day political
conference of the Congress held at the community hall cum basketball ground at
Uripok Achom Leikai and organised by Uripok Block Congress Committee, the Chief
Minister said that when the Congress Government came to power, the State was in
dire financial strait.
However things started improving after
the UPA Government led by the Congress came to power at Delhi, said the Chief
Minister and added that the Government is seriously working on a Start-Up
policy to help the people find meaningful employment.
BJP ticket seekers reach consensus
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 23 2016: All the
intending candidates who have been seeking BJP ticket in Yaiskul AC have
reached a consensus to support whoever is given the party ticket in the
forthcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly election. Notably A Sarda, N Helendro,
Hareshwar Goswami, H Jaidev and Th Satyabrata have been seeking BJP ticket in
Yaiskul AC.
They have signed an agreement and they
declared during a political conference held at Brahmapur Aribam Leikai today
that they would support whoever among them is given the party ticket. The
agreement stated that none of the four intending candidates who have been denied
party ticket would contest the election. They also agreed to campaign for BJP
candidates with all their resources in order to ensure establishment of a BJP
Government in the State.
BJP launches campaigns at various places
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 23 2016: BJP has
organised election campaigns at various localties today. Political conferences
were held at Wabagai and Kakching with Thongju AC MLA Th Biswajit, BJP Manipur
Pradesh president Ksh Bhabhananda Singh, BJP Manipur Pradesh vice president
Moirangthem Hemanta Singh, BJP Manipur Pradesh Mahila Morcha president N
Sumatibala Devi and BJP Manipur Pradesh State Election Management Committee
convenor Th Chaoba Singh, BJP Minority Morcha president Salam Khan as presidium
members.
BJP posters smeared
The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 23 2016: BJP posters
pasted on the walls of some houses without seeking permission of the owners
have been smeared with a mixture of cowpat and sand. Altogether 12 households
of Heikak Mapal Makha Leikai located within Khundrakpam AC smeared BJP posters
pasted on the walls of their houses with a mixture of cowpat and sand today. The
posters were pasted on the houses by BJP’s intending candidate Okram Romeo and
his workers.
However, the local youth development and
village development called Romeo and he was asked to smear the BJP posters in
the presence of the house owners. Romeo was also made to sign a declaration
which says that he would not paste any posters on the walls of houses without
permission of owners.
Boycott Ibobi, welcome Zeliang: Deep,
deep divide
The Sangai Express Editorial 24 October 2016
The divide is deep, very deep. And this
is what is worrying. It is more than the Tangkhul Naga Long boycotting the
proposed visit of the Chief Minister and some council of the Ministers to
Ukhrul to inaugurate some projects but is a damning statement on how much the
hills have become alienated from the valley. Or anyone who is perceived to represent the
valley or the State of Manipur. Why is it that some Naga civil society
organisations are so removed from whatever it is that represent Manipur ?
There may be any reasons for this, but
this is not at all a comfortable thought. Juxtapose the boycott of the Chief
Minister’s visit to Ukhrul and the red carpet that was rolled out for Nagaland
Chief Minister TR Zeliang when he came to attend the meeting of Naga village
authorities at Yaikongpao in Sadar Hills on October 19 and things will become a
little more clear. So while the red carpet was rolled out for the Nagaland
Chief Minister, the proposed visit of O Ibobi to Ukhrul stands boycotted with
the TNL going ahead and imposing a public boycott at the five villages which
the Chief Minister and his team are scheduled to visit.
Also important to note that while O
Ibobi will take the chopper to go to Ukhrul, TR Zeliang came by road all the
way from Kohima to Sadar Hills. More than an indication that he was welcomed
all the way from Mao gate to Sadar Hills which will be in stark contrast when
Ibobi proceeds to Ukhrul as scheduled. What is the message that can be read
into the boycott of the Chief Minister’s proposed visit to Ukhrul and the red
carpet rolled out for TR Zeliang ?
Is it just the boycott of the Chief
Minister and the rousing welcome to another individual from Nagaland or is
there something more to this? The answer should be obvious to all and this is
what is disturbing to note. And in all
probability this has something solid to do with the growing demand for the
integration of all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit or the
call for a separate administration for the hills. At the crux will undoubtedly
be the demand for a Greater Lim and the equally intense call for the protection
of the territorial integrity of Manipur. Or are these demands just political or
does it say something solid about the social and emotional ties between the
people of the hills and the valley ?
The harsh reality is, the divide between
the hills and the valley runs deep, very deep and no slogans will be able to
bridge this divide. Time for the people on either side to sincerely work and
see how they can walk closer together. This is certainly not the time to pull
the people apart for in the end it will only affect the common people and this
will not serve the interest of anyone.
