Chapter 24

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.