LS Election Manipur: Yes or No to NOTA, what voters are saying?

LS Election Manipur: Yes or no to NOTA, what voters are saying? Democracy is all about choices and election in majoritarian electoral system is a game of numbers. For the

Electronic Voting Machine (Credit: Election Commission of India)

Electronic Voting Machine (Credit: Election Commission of India)

LS Election Manipur: Yes or no to NOTA, what voters are saying?

Democracy is all about choices and election in majoritarian electoral system is a game of numbers. For the first time in India’s more than 6-decade-long history of democracy, voters have been empowered with None Of The Above (NOTA) option or popularly known as the right to reject candidates. Unlike previous polls in Manipur, the runup 16th Lok Sabha election is fused with a strange air of NOTA, frustration of voters and their anger against the legislators, who failed keep pre-poll promises.

Following a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court of India ordered to apply NOTA button on voting machines on 27th September, 2013. The discussion for NOTA is doing the round and youths from the state have dared even to initiate a campaign- “Vote-for-NOTA-in-Manipur-Kangleipak” (NOTACACom). The humming buzz evidently signals that a chunk of voters largely youths are likely to use NOTA option to show their rejection of contestants for the election scheduled to be held on 17th April, 2014.

When asked about his view, Laiphrakpam Herojit (25) of Hingthang, Imphal West, who is going to vote for the first time opines, “the right to reject and privacy is what the voters needs. NOTA will be very helpful.”

In a recent interview conducted by Kanglaonline, voters especially youngsters hail the verdict of the apex court and said that it is a boon to the citizens of India.

While stating that NOTA has no sense till now and has no power, Goutam Ningombam, UGC-JRF, PhD Scholar, Department of Chemistry, Manipur University said, “I think we should vote for the one we trust and waste no votes. If want a change, we should exercise our right instead of bargaining the rate of vote. If the elected person fails to maintain our aspirations, we can simply stop cooperating in future.”

The crux is that decision of the voters is what that will shape the future. The unity and honesty of the citizens should be built instead of pressing NOTA. When the voters create positive perspectives things will turn out to be positive, the 29-year-old research scholar from Moirang, Bishnupur district added.

Emphasizing that exercising franchise is the right and duty of every eligible citizen of India, Pramod Ningombam (35), senior journalist said it is one way to make choices about how we want our life to be. Though we understand the candidates to be ‘devils’ in different forms, we have no choice but to choose the ‘lesser devil’.

He also suggests that we all should go for the candidate with the lesser devil in himself/herself.

Hrishikesh Angomcha (28), Sub-Editor, Hueiyen Lanpao (English Edition) also believes that the option is good, but not purposeful. “The candidates will be elected based on the highest number of votes secured no matter how many voted for NOTA.”

Dr. K Chandra (identity changed on condition of anonymity) said that since we are the ones, who made politicians corrupt, the only option to make them uncorrupt is NOTA because if elected, they will become corrupt again.

“Many responsible citizens will be opting for NOTA this time because there is none who deserves. The past decades speak it and all of a sudden, we can’t find an honest and responsible candidate just a few days ahead of elections. Before claiming as honest to the people, one needs to be honest to oneself first,” the 32-year old young AIMS medical post graduate said.

Salam Herojit (34) of Nambol, Bishnupur district welcomes the provision and at the same time he appeals the Election Commission of India and NGOs to create awareness about the power and adverse effect of this button across the country.

“It won’t be exaggerating to say that an effective use of NOTA to the extend that it creates an impact on Indian election is a far-fetch dream,” Herojit said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/ls-election-manipur-yes-or-no-to-nota-what-voters-are-saying/

Security tightened for Manipur general LS seat – The Hindu

The HinduSecurity tightened for Manipur general LS seatThe HinduThe Strategic and Operations Group (SOG) has given final touches to a security plan to maintain law and order during the election of the general seat of the Lok Sabha in Manipur scheduled …


The Hindu

Security tightened for Manipur general LS seat
The Hindu
The Strategic and Operations Group (SOG) has given final touches to a security plan to maintain law and order during the election of the general seat of the Lok Sabha in Manipur scheduled on April 17. Chaired by the chief secretary, P.C. Lawnkunga, the …

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNFFE-OPZ0BYc4BQtH4YozvjoU7wJA&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ei=gRlPU5jKOITA8gGE7QE&url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/security-tightened-for-manipur-general-ls-seat/article5910828.ece

Two militants killed in Manipur encounter – The Hindu

Two militants killed in Manipur encounterThe HinduAssam Rifles troopers killed two militants at Phungyar in Ukhrul district of Manipur during a fierce exchange of fire over the week-end. The bodies are yet to be brought to Imphal for identification and…

Two militants killed in Manipur encounter
The Hindu
Assam Rifles troopers killed two militants at Phungyar in Ukhrul district of Manipur during a fierce exchange of fire over the week-end. The bodies are yet to be brought to Imphal for identification and post-mortem. Sources said that there was a chance …

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNE2H-vD5oSj9dfWmySDsvmpwo8iyA&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ei=NTZOU-DNL8Xx8AHKVQ&url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/two-militants-killed-in-manipur-encounter/article5910674.ece

Manipuri pop icon hums songs of unity for BJP – Times of India

Manipuri pop icon hums songs of unity for BJPTimes of India"All my four new songs focus on the glory and rising strength of BJP, unity in diversity, oneness and respect for all religions," said the 61-year-old pop sensation and secretary gene…

Manipuri pop icon hums songs of unity for BJP
Times of India
"All my four new songs focus on the glory and rising strength of BJP, unity in diversity, oneness and respect for all religions," said the 61-year-old pop sensation and secretary general of the state's prominent Manipuri music group 'Roop Raag'. Before

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNFRl2nQj_gs6-Zrbyqwrwgk_a3_pQ&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ei=SttMU8i1EOTd8gG0ggE&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Manipuri-pop-icon-hums-songs-of-unity-for-BJP/articleshow/33730084.cms

Visual treat of exotic fish, flowers leaves visitors spellbound in Manipur – MorungExpress

Visual treat of exotic fish, flowers leaves visitors spellbound in ManipurMorungExpressIMPHAL, April 13 (ANI): The display of the rarest breeds of ornamental fishes and flowers at the seven- day state level Aquarium exhibition cum flower show in Imphal…

Visual treat of exotic fish, flowers leaves visitors spellbound in Manipur
MorungExpress
IMPHAL, April 13 (ANI): The display of the rarest breeds of ornamental fishes and flowers at the seven- day state level Aquarium exhibition cum flower show in Imphal left visitors spell bound. The show was organised by the Manipur Science and

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNF4hoWecnQNK7DXXwpM08Ql4tHA8w&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=43982376770963&ei=klhLU6jFKob48QHprQE&url=http://www.morungexpress.com/local/114070.html

Thangjam Modhu: The Pioneer Of School Games In Manipur – E-Pao.net

E-Pao.netThangjam Modhu: The Pioneer Of School Games In ManipurE-Pao.netThis column is an attempt to unfold the unique sporting spirit coupled with the patriotic zeal of those who, in their prime of life, unceasingly dreamt of and worked for a superb M…


E-Pao.net

Thangjam Modhu: The Pioneer Of School Games In Manipur
E-Pao.net
This column is an attempt to unfold the unique sporting spirit coupled with the patriotic zeal of those who, in their prime of life, unceasingly dreamt of and worked for a superb Manipur. 'ON THE GOLDEN FOOTPRINTS' is the reproduction of Ratneshwori …

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNF6rh8gJNdaAdjfzsn2jXae2bOiHw&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ei=UQ5OU5DfJITA8gGE7QE&url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=leisure.Sports.Sports_Profile_of_veteran_players_of_Manipur.Thangjam_Modhu_The_Pioneer_Of_School_Games_In_Manipur

Wake Up Call To All Voters Of Manipur – E-Pao.net

E-Pao.netWake Up Call To All Voters Of ManipurE-Pao.netWe all like to vote for the best man, but he is never a candidate. Good people never come forward as a candidate for election because they do not want to bribe the voters and they do not have enoug…


E-Pao.net

Wake Up Call To All Voters Of Manipur
E-Pao.net
We all like to vote for the best man, but he is never a candidate. Good people never come forward as a candidate for election because they do not want to bribe the voters and they do not have enough money to fight election.. Many good people never vote …

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNEwS6fHD9crop405cVsw8BdP-34Ag&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=43982376506486&ei=IYxLU5DBLuPJ8AHAwwE&url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageSelector.asp?src=Wake_Up_Call_To_All_Voters_Of_Manipur_Part_2_By_Khomdon_Lisam&ch=news_section&sub1=opinions&sub2=Politics_and_Governance

Thangjam Modhu: The Pioneer Of School Games In Manipur – E-Pao.net

Thangjam Modhu: The Pioneer Of School Games In ManipurE-Pao.netThangjam Modhu led the Manipur School Team in this Games where the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru expressed the vision that the school games would he…

Thangjam Modhu: The Pioneer Of School Games In Manipur
E-Pao.net
Thangjam Modhu led the Manipur School Team in this Games where the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru expressed the vision that the school games would help a lot in the development of sports in the country.

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNETYkYcXblBY2Ke2Ro3XBovemGa2Q&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ei=y5ZNU_izNbT98AG2-wE&url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageSelector.asp?src=Thangjam_Modhu_The_Pioneer_Of_School_Games_In_Manipur&ch=leisure&sub1=Sports&sub2=Sports_Profile_of_veteran_players_of_Manipur

AJWJU reconstituted

With expiring of its term, All Jiribam Working Journalists’ Union AJWJU has elected its new office bearers during a general body meeting held at the office of Eastern Post in the afternoon today with outgoing president M Source Hueiyen News Service

With expiring of its term, All Jiribam Working Journalists’ Union AJWJU has elected its new office bearers during a general body meeting held at the office of Eastern Post in the afternoon today with outgoing president M Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=37&src=140414

Red Shield arrests six UGs

Troops of Red Shield Division reported apprehended six hard core undergrounds in four different operations launched from 11 April to 13 April 2014 Source Hueiyen News Service

Troops of Red Shield Division reported apprehended six hard core undergrounds in four different operations launched from 11 April to 13 April 2014 Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=35&src=140414

Cong thinks money can buy voters, Nara alleges

CPI candidate for Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency Dr M Nara today continued his attack on Congress, alleging that the ruling party thinks money can buy voters Source Hueiyen News Service

CPI candidate for Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency Dr M Nara today continued his attack on Congress, alleging that the ruling party thinks money can buy voters Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=33&src=140414

Protest staged against blast

Local residents of Taobungkhok Mayai Leikai under Patsoi Police Station in Imphal West district today staged a protest demonstration denouncing the last night’s bomb explosion near a Lower Primary School located close to the residence of Social Welfare…

Local residents of Taobungkhok Mayai Leikai under Patsoi Police Station in Imphal West district today staged a protest demonstration denouncing the last night’s bomb explosion near a Lower Primary School located close to the residence of Social Welfare Minister Minister AK Minister Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=31&src=140414

RPF thanks all for paying tribute

The proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front RPF has appreciated all people who paid homage to the outfit’s leaders, who were killed in Kodompokpi incident on April 13, 1982, at Cheiraoching Martyrs’ complex here today Source Hueiyen News Service

The proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front RPF has appreciated all people who paid homage to the outfit’s leaders, who were killed in Kodompokpi incident on April 13, 1982, at Cheiraoching Martyrs’ complex here today Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=29&src=140414

An interview with Dr T Meinya

Dr Thokchom Meinya is the candidate of Indian National Congress INC contesting the 16th Lok Sabha election to the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, which is slated for April 17 Source Hueiyen News Service

Dr Thokchom Meinya is the candidate of Indian National Congress INC contesting the 16th Lok Sabha election to the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, which is slated for April 17 Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=27&src=140414

Homage paid to slain PLA leaders

Hundreds of people thronged Cheirao Ching at Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai on Sunday to pay homage to the nine leaders of the proscribed RPF PLA who were killed by Indian Army in a gun battle at Kodompokpi of Imphal West on April 13, 1982 Source Hueiye…

Hundreds of people thronged Cheirao Ching at Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai on Sunday to pay homage to the nine leaders of the proscribed RPF PLA who were killed by Indian Army in a gun battle at Kodompokpi of Imphal West on April 13, 1982 Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=25&src=140414

Nungshigam combat of WWII recalled

Attended by a host of visitors from UK and US, the Nungshigam combat, which was fought as part of the fiercest Imphal Battle of World War II was remembered during a commemorative function at Keibi Khullen community hall in Imphal East district on Sunda…

Attended by a host of visitors from UK and US, the Nungshigam combat, which was fought as part of the fiercest Imphal Battle of World War II was remembered during a commemorative function at Keibi Khullen community hall in Imphal East district on Sunday Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=23&src=140414

Somra revels Ukhrul natives with Burmese culture

A touch of Burmese tunes, dances and attractive traditional fineries enthral the Tangkhul natives in the remote Tusom village on the grand finale of the cultural gala on Sunday Source Hueiyen News Service Pamreiso Shimray

A touch of Burmese tunes, dances and attractive traditional fineries enthral the Tangkhul natives in the remote Tusom village on the grand finale of the cultural gala on Sunday Source Hueiyen News Service Pamreiso Shimray

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=21&src=140414

CNPO extends balm to fire victims

Chandel Naga People’s Organization CNPO today reached out to fire victims of Lamkang Khunjai and Laiching Khunman and extended help in cash and kind Source Hueiyen News Service Ruwngthung Hrangbung

Chandel Naga People’s Organization CNPO today reached out to fire victims of Lamkang Khunjai and Laiching Khunman and extended help in cash and kind Source Hueiyen News Service Ruwngthung Hrangbung

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=34&src=140414

TC, AAP candidates unhappy over conduct of poll for Outer seat

Trinamool Congress candidate Kim Gangte and Aam Aadmi Party AAP candidate K Zou, who are in contest for the Lok Sabha seat of Outer Manipur Parliamentary seat, have lamentations that militants had ruled the roost in the April 9 Lok Sabha polling in t…

Trinamool Congress candidate Kim Gangte and Aam Aadmi Party AAP candidate K Zou, who are in contest for the Lok Sabha seat of Outer Manipur Parliamentary seat, have lamentations that militants had ruled the roost in the April 9 Lok Sabha polling in the hill districts of Manipur Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=30&src=140414