Tag: Top Stories

IMPHAL, Feb 5: Reports of intimidation in hill areas regarding the assembly polls continued to be reported. One Phelix Lunghtoi, 35, son of Kinjelung of Maram Ching of Tamenglong AC was assaulted by NPF candidate, Samuel Jendai along with his workers.

Talking to IFP, Phelix stated that he along with some of his friends left Tamenglong district headquarters on January 3 for Songpram polling station which was scheduled for repoll. After reaching Songpram, he along with one of his friends went on a motorcycle to the upper Songpram village area. On the way back, Phelix was reportedly waylaid by Samuel Jendai who came in a Maruti gypsy along with his workers.Phelix was later asked to come along with the NPF workers,but the latter refused. Phelix said that he was manhandled by some of the NPF workers and forcibly taken to Songpram NPF office where he was interrogated for collusion with another candidate of the said assembly constituency. Later, he was allegedly beaten up and kept inside the NPF office.

According to Phelix’s statement, the NPF candidate had intimidated workers of his nearest rivals and used threatening words. It was reported that he along with his worker also assaulted  a resident of Songpram village,  Keibunsin, aged 30.

In the meantime, villagers who had heard of the incident reportedly mobbed the NPF candidate and his entourage and further blocked the candidate from leaving the village. Afterwards, after tendering his apology to the villagers, the NPF candidate with his workers left the village.

IFP photographed the tell-tale injury marks on  the upper and lower body areas of Phelix who is presently hospitalized at RIMS hospital for internal injuries. Protesting the assault, he said “ Elections should be conducted fairly and each individual should be given the right to exercise one’s democratic rights.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/mscp-worker-allegedly-thrashed-by-samuel-jendai-supporters/

IMPHAL,Feb 2: Bengaluru, the IT capital of India has a large diaspora of Manipuris which mostly consists of students in various professional colleges and IT professionals.

As of now, baring a few sporadic events organised by individuals and small groups, there hasn`t been any major occasion wherein this diaspora gets together. Hence, the Manipur Liaison Office, Bengaluru is organising a two day Manipur Kumhei at Bengaluru with a view to bring together, to start with, about 800 people of Manipur origin and enable them to spend an enriching and enjoyable experience.

Manipur Kumhei will be held on February 4 Saturday and 5 Sunday, 2012. An initiative being undertaken by the Manipur Liaison Office in Bengaluru, Dr. V. Ramakantha, this kumhei aims at promoting positive links and creating new bonds of love, peace, understanding and mutual respect between the city`s native population and the Manipuri diaspora.

This festival has also chosen to focus on the creative brilliance of Manipuri cinema and the grandeur of its performing arts, over a two day festival.

The kumhei will also offer the participants from the diaspora to bond together, relive their past, take pride in their culture and basically to celebrate Manipur. A large contingent of artists and performers selected by the Dept. of Art and Culture, Govt. of Manipur, has been invited to Bengaluru to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Manipur.

On the first day of the kumhei, three renowned Manipuri films namely: Phijigee Mani – directed by O. Gautam and produced by Medha Sharmi, Mami Sami – directed by Ningthouja Lancha and Noong Amadi Yeroom – directed by Ningthouja Lancha will be screened followed by an interactive session with the producers and the directors.

A cultural evening awaits on the second day of the kumhei which includes the enchanting Tribal dances, Manipuri Ras Leela, Thang-Ta and Pung-Cholom. While the people of Manipur origin savour the time spent in their homeland, the performers will in turn be benefited by the exposure to the Manipuri diaspora and metropolitan city of Bengaluru.

Manipur Kumhei, the festival of dance, dance-drama, music, martial art, film shows and more, will also have components events from artists of Karnataka which will give the Manipuri diaspora an insight into yet another ancient civilization of Kannadigas. The event will be enriched with performances by local Kannadiga Yakshagana (a dance drama) artists and others.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/manipur-kumhei-to-enthral-bengaluru/

IMPHAL,Feb 2: Bengaluru, the IT capital of India has a large diaspora of Manipuris which mostly consists of students in various professional colleges and IT professionals.

As of now, baring a few sporadic events organised by individuals and small groups, there hasn`t been any major occasion wherein this diaspora gets together. Hence, the Manipur Liaison Office, Bengaluru is organising a two day Manipur Kumhei at Bengaluru with a view to bring together, to start with, about 800 people of Manipur origin and enable them to spend an enriching and enjoyable experience.

Manipur Kumhei will be held on February 4 Saturday and 5 Sunday, 2012. An initiative being undertaken by the Manipur Liaison Office in Bengaluru, Dr. V. Ramakantha, this kumhei aims at promoting positive links and creating new bonds of love, peace, understanding and mutual respect between the city`s native population and the Manipuri diaspora.

This festival has also chosen to focus on the creative brilliance of Manipuri cinema and the grandeur of its performing arts, over a two day festival.

The kumhei will also offer the participants from the diaspora to bond together, relive their past, take pride in their culture and basically to celebrate Manipur. A large contingent of artists and performers selected by the Dept. of Art and Culture, Govt. of Manipur, has been invited to Bengaluru to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Manipur.

On the first day of the kumhei, three renowned Manipuri films namely: Phijigee Mani – directed by O. Gautam and produced by Medha Sharmi, Mami Sami – directed by Ningthouja Lancha and Noong Amadi Yeroom – directed by Ningthouja Lancha will be screened followed by an interactive session with the producers and the directors.

A cultural evening awaits on the second day of the kumhei which includes the enchanting Tribal dances, Manipuri Ras Leela, Thang-Ta and Pung-Cholom. While the people of Manipur origin savour the time spent in their homeland, the performers will in turn be benefited by the exposure to the Manipuri diaspora and metropolitan city of Bengaluru.

Manipur Kumhei, the festival of dance, dance-drama, music, martial art, film shows and more, will also have components events from artists of Karnataka which will give the Manipuri diaspora an insight into yet another ancient civilization of Kannadigas. The event will be enriched with performances by local Kannadiga Yakshagana (a dance drama) artists and others.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/manipur-kumhei-to-enthral-bengaluru/

IMPHAL, Jan 31: Beginning from 2008 till 2011, the state has witnessed 246 cases of child trafficking,many cases are seemingly still unreported and may be just the tip of the iceberg.

The fact was stated by K Pradip Singh,member secretary of Child Welfare Committee , Bishnupur at a one day orientation program on Human Trafficking held at Lake View Hotel at Moirang. The program was organized by the Social Welfare Department and participated by youths from Bishnupur and Churachandpur district yesterday.

Pradip further spoke on the definition, dynamics and magnitude of human trafficking in Manipur.He stated that three are mainly three types of trafficking, viz. Drugs trafficking , which is the most lucrative trade and followed by Arms trafficking and next is the issue of human trafficking.At present , the trade in human trafficking has surpassed the arms trafficking and has become more widespread. Six to eight lacs individuals are trafficking in a year among international and national borders and largely involves women and children, he said.

Further,the objective of the traffickers is to offer lucrative jobs abroad and in other states, mainly free education, free shelter, placements in beauty parlors, spas etc. The trafficker may pose as a samaritan and try to gain the trust of the family and the individual and may even give the offers through the media.

Mentioning instances of children and women from Manipur being trafficked, he said that at least nearly a hundred children were rescued from other states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi etc .Some teenage girls were rescued from entering the sex trade by force, he mentioned.

Pradip  stated that  the family members and individuals should discern the possibilities of getting a good future for their wards and self, else there is every possibility of becoming a victim of human trafficking. Blaming the ineffectiveness of the education sector of the state and lack of unemployment as the main causes of falling prey to trafficking, he said that the state government should initiate steps to curb trafficking.The program was attended by Bishnupur Child Welfare Committee chairperson, L Pishak Singh and Ch Tampakleima,district protection officer, ICDS, Bishnupur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/246-cases-of-children-trafficking-reported-in-last-three-years/

GUWAHATI, Jan 30 (NNN): Murder accused Mahendra Nath Das` writ petition has been dusmissed by the Gauhati High Court on Monday.

After having had languished in prison for the past 12 years Mahendra Nath Das had filed the writ petition last year. The murder accused sought commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment since he had already spent more than 12 years in jail during the disposal of his plea seeking presidential clemency. The mercy plea was addressed to former President KR Narayanan in 1999 by Mahendra’s family. It was rejected in May last year by President Pratibha Patil.

It it worth noting that Mahendra Nath Das had beheaded one Harakanta Das in the commercial hub of Guwahati on April 24, 1996 and surrendered before the police with the victim`s head. He has been languishing in jail since 1997 after the Sessions Court, Kamrup ordered his execution. The death sentence was subsequently upheld by both the Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/hc-rejects-dass-plea/

AIZWAL, Jan 30 (NNN): Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla today said that due to the long 20-years insurgency, Mizoram could not join with its counterparts in respect of development in economy but with the help of various nationalised agency like NABARD, the state’s economy and development is on the path of improvement.

The chief minister was saying this while delivering a speech at the ‘State Credit Seminar for 2012-13’ organised by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Mizoram regional office in Aizawl today. 

Lal Thanhawla Mizoram is rich in various natural resources which will greatly act as a catalyst in the improvement of the state`s economy. He also informed the gathering that his government will take necessary steps to materialise the points which are mentioned in the State Focus Paper prepared by NABARD.

State Credit Seminar 2012-13 is being organised to discuss State Focus Paper prepared by the NABARD for the upcoming year i,e,. 2012-13.

Lal Thanhawla while expressing concern for improvement of farmers said that agriculture credit flow should be introduced more extensively across the state so that each and every farmer enjoys the benefit. The chief minister also asked NABARD to introduce scheme for government flagship programme New Land Use Policy (NLUP) beneficiaries so as to make them successful in utilising the funds received through the programme (NLUP). He further asked NABARD to continue giving credit support to various self help groups and give special attention to hand-loom sector. “NABARD should frequently organise awareness programme so that loan repayment will be more regular, he appealed. The present condition of loan repayment which stood at 63% is comparatively low,” said the chief minister.

It can be noted that NABARD is expanding its developmental initiatives for all round economic growth of Mizoram through various financial and promotional interventions.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/mizoram-economy-flourishing/

IMPHAL, Jan 30 (NNN): The Trinamool Congress on Monday demanded re-poll in almost all the hill Constituencies of Manipur which went to the polls on January 28, while the BJP demanded re-poll in Thoubal Constituency, the home Constituency of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, alleging of rigging.

“Trinamool Congress had demanded more security personnel for the hill districts well ahead of the Saturday polls, but it was not implemented by Election Commission of India (ECI) that resulted in a big lapse in security”, Manipur Pradesh Triamool Congress president Kim Gangte alleged talking to the media at the Manipur Press Club here.

The Kuki militant groups, which are under Suspension of Operations (SoO) involving the Central and State Governments, and the NSCN-IM, which is also under peace-talks with the Centre were openly involved and meddled in the just concluded polls. She alleged that the Kuki militants openly supported the Congress candidates, while Naga People’s Front (NPF) was supported by the NSCN-IM.

“Voters in the hill districts failed to get their franchise rights in most of the polling stations and it is quite necessary that re-poll be conducted in the areas where polling process had been paralyzed and manipulated by militants”, Kim demanded.

The Manipur unit Trinamool president also said money and muscle power were used as  tools to woo voters against the model code of conduct issued by ECI. Two Trinamool workers were kidnapped by a Congress supporter in one of the pre-poll incidents, she alleged, adding that a white Bolero jeep bearing no. MNO2-3390 was also used in the kidnapping.

The Kuki militant groups under SoO actively helped the Congress in the polls, Kim further alleged and said that the Saikot polling booth was captured by Congress supporters and no official came up to enquire into the incident.

A formal complaint will be lodged to ECI regarding all the malpractices and fraudulent polling and call for re-poll in almost all the hill Constituencies, she added.

Meanwhile, the BJP today also demanded re-poll in at least eight polling stations in Chief Minister Okram Ibobi bastion 31-Thoubal Constituency on Monday.

In Thoubal Constituency, the presiding officer and the other poll personnel were deputed mostly from Thoubal district and Sugnu and this was a gross violation of the ECI guidelines, BJP national general secretary, Tapir Gao told reporters at Manipur Pradesh BJP office here.

Tapir also said using mobile phones in taking photograph of voter during the polling process was really an absurd policy of the ECI. The party has demanded suspension of the concerned Returning Officer and eight presiding Officers of Thoubal, he added.

In one of the polling stations in the hill, one person sat near the EVM and would press the buttons after asking the voters which candidates they were choosing, the former MP from Arunachal Pradesh alleged.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/tmc-demands-repoll-in-hill-constituencies-while-bjp-wants-repoll-in-thoubal-ac/

IMPHAL, Jan 30: The Maoist Communist Party, Manipur has lifted its ban on organizing sumang leela and musical programmes and screening of films outside the cinemas as the elections have ended.

In a press release, the outfit stated that several incidents that occurred during the run up to the polls have justified its decision to temporarily impose the curbs during the prelude despite the attempts from several quarters to wrongly influence the people about its intention.

However, it added that the ban on supporters of four ministers and candidates of Sekmai’s Trinamool Congress and INC will stay.

On the other hand, the MCP alleged that several elements in the Manipur Film Forum has tried to malign its image after misrepresenting its sincere appeals and sway the opinions of the whole organizations dishonestly. 

The decision of the members of forum to air their opinions against the group in a public meeting was unfortunate but the MCP does not hold any grudge against any one of them. Neither has the group served any curb on people involved with Manipuri movies in the past. It had simply requested them not to publicly screen their movies till elections were over and subsequently diluted punishment were meted to three films that went against it.  The group said no monetary demand will be sent to artist or other persons related to the film industry, sumang leela group or singers. The release made an appeal to the film forum to disengage itself from activities disparaging the group and followed it up with a warning that such mistakes will not go unnoticed. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/ban-on-entertainment-programmes-lifted/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: Protesting against post-poll violence at Tentha, the CPI Thoubal District Council has called for a general strike in Thoubal district on January 30 from 5 am to 5 pm.

Addressing media persons at CPI party office, Irawat Bhawan, senior party workers led by Dr M Nara said that the post-poll violence at Tentha was an act against humanism.

Nara further stated that the party had on several occasions made their apprehension felt about the conduct of MSCP candidate Paonam Brojen.

He alleged that the party workers and supporters of the CPI had been intimidated from time to time in the run up to the general elections.

Dr Nara further said that a party worker Tongjam Ratan was stopped by MSCP workers on December 25 and badly beaten up with hockey sticks while his Bolero jeep was set ablaze.

“Despite of an FIR being lodged under a non-bailable section, there has been no action taken”, he said.

Saying that the firing incident at Tentha happened was the fall out of the public displeasure over police inaction over various incidents of intimidation to CPI workers by MSCP supporters, Nara expressed surprise at the difference in police response.

He claimed that the police have not done anything about the intimidation of party workers in Wangjing but in Tentha, they started firing without any warning shots.

Calling the police action inhuman, Nara said, “Thoubal police has failed in its duty of protecting the lives and property of the people under its jurisdiction”, Nara adding that the firing was a case of crime committed by the police. 

He further added that a JAC over the death of Moirangthem Ragini, 46, and injury of Moirangthem Medhabati,32, has been formed which would be submitting a memorandum to the Chief Minister.

Nara also added that the CPI would submit the party memorandum over the firing and subsequent casualties. He said that the general strike was being called to protest and condemn the incident in no uncertain terms and added that a magisterial inquiry should be announced and immediate action should be taken regarding the police involved in the firing incident.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/cpi-calls-thoubal-bandh-over-death-of-woman-in-postpoll-violence-at-wangjing/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: A team of Imphal East Police Commando arrested two  UPPK cadres,  namely Sapam Priyojit Singh (39) s/o S. Iboton Singh of Okramchuthek and Hidam Suraj  Singh (27) s/o H. Raja Singh of Uchekon Khunao near Dam from Okrmchuthek Crossing on January 27 around 3:30 pm.

On verification they disclosed they are active members of UPPK organization. Further. Hidam Suraj Singh (Sl.no 2) disclosed that he had kept concealed one Lathod launcher with one Lathod Shell at the residence of one Thongam Bishworjit Singh (40) s/o of Th. Kumar Singh a candidate of Thongju A/C in the ensuing 10th Assembly Flection 2012 and the same was seized at the instance of accused Hidam Suraj Singh (Sl.no 2) from the above mentioned place.

In another incident, a combined team of CDO/IE and 1W arrested one KYKL cadre namely Nongthombam Roshanta Singh aliasTangba (30) s/o N. Pakama Singh of  Huikap Makha Leikai, near Pukhri Achouba Mapal from Kakwa Bazar.

On verification, he disclosed that he is an active member of KYKL and presently working for the CORCOM under the command of S/S District Commander Thoubal Mr.Prem Singh. Further, he disclosed   that he had kept concealed one Hand grenade at the residence of Mr. Arambam Raj en Singh, of Chajing Mairen Khong, a candidate of Trinamul Congress of 10th Assembly Election 2012. Later on  the said hand grenade was recovered from the corridor of the house of Mr. A.Rajen Singh, at the instance of the arrestee N.Roshata Singh. Further the arrestee Mr. Nongthombam Roshanta Singh disclosed that he joined KYKL organization in the year 2008 through one Mr. Prem Singh and involved in lobbing grenades and firing to the residence of Congress candidate   and workers and extorted money from general public, govt. officials etc.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/police-nabs-three-militants/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: Janta Dal United, Manipur has demanded the disqualification of the NPF and INC candidates of Chandel assembly constituency charging them of being propped by armed underground groups.

Speaking to media persons today at its party office, senior JD (U) members alleged that instances of booth capturing by external force had taken place at 41/59, 41/14, 41/21 and 41/22.

Lien Gangte, general secretary of JD (U) stated that 41/59 and 41/14 were captured by cadres of UKLF. “None of the inner and outer agents of JD (U) were allowed inside the polling area. We call upon the returning officer for a re-poll of these polling booths”.

He added that the party had earlier registered complaints over election code violation with Chandel SP alleging that Th Haokip, a Congress election agent had threatened a JD (U) worker, Jhangkhulon of K Sabi Village with an unlicensed gun.

Lien further said that the JD (U) condoled the demise of the people in Tampi incident and called for “full pay at one time” for the CRPF personnel and polling staff who were killed.

He added that the NPF candidate Victor Nunghon Anal has to be disqualified since he has been supported by the NSCN-IM due to which the unfortunate incident happened. The NPF should take full responsibility for the deaths at Tampi.

Lien further said that all candidates supported by UGs should be disqualified and debarred.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/jd-u-presses-eci-for-repoll-in-violencehit-chandel-ac/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: INC candidate for 47-Karong assembly constituency, DD Thaisii has alleged that normal polling procedures have been violated at various polling stations under Karong assembly constituency.

Addressing media persons at Manipur Congress Bhavan, Thaisii claimed that there was mass booth capturing by NSCN-IM cadres and called for a re-poll.

He said, “I am aware of instances where Naga People’s Front (NPF) supporters NSCN-IM intimidated voters to cast votes in favour of the NPF. The norms and guidelines laid down by the Election Commission of India that one person can cast only a single vote and that the person should be photographed were violated. There were cases in which one voter was made to vote for the NPF more than once.”

Thaisii further alleged that when his polling agents complained verbally regarding the “booth captures”, the presiding officer failed to pay attention to the complaint made by the polling agents due to threats from the NSCN-IM. “But the facts can be ascertained from the photograph records collected by the polling officials under the supervision of presiding officers. They will show that large scale of impersonation also took place forcefully by the NSCN-IM”, he said.

He further added that in case the presiding officers failed to record the photographs of the voters which is mandatory and if they cannot produce the save, it can be presumed that large scale impersonation had taken place.

Saying that 18 polling stations had witnessed intimidation and casting of votes without photographic documentation, Thaisii said that a re-poll should be held in the said locations.

He also alleged that armed cadres of NSCN-IM fired several rounds from sophisticated weapons at Koide Village on January 28 at 11 am.

Thaisii also said that INC candidate supporters, namely Z Dahrii, s/o Zozii, member of village authority, Phaibung Khullen Village Senapati and S Thoulu, s/o Sam, vice-chairman of Phaibung Khullen Village Authority were shot on the legs on January 29 at 4 am.

At the time of filing this report, the two persons were brought to Imphal for treatment of their bullet injuries. However, the treatment of the injured persons will be done at a private clinic despite RIMS being designated as a treatment and trauma centre for election related casualties.

DD Thaisii himself said, “I wanted them to have better health care facilities. They are going to private clinics for their comfort.

PK Joseph of Oinam Village who is said to have been beaten up brutally by supporters of NPF candidate on January 26 is also in the ICU of a private clinic in Imphal.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/thaisii-complains-of-mass-booth-capturing-by-nscnim-in-karong-ac-demands-repoll/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: Evidences of the involvement of NSCN (IM) cadres using their full resources to muscle in on getting representatives of the Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) elected at the just concluded 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly polls have been reported.

Briefing mediapersons at Manipur Press Club today, A Bungson who is the election agent of 41 Chandel AC independent candidate SS Olish stated that five persons including three women had been abducted by cadres of the NSCN (IM). The persons were also present at the press meet and showed tell-tale scars of brutalization by the NSCN (IM) cadres.

One of the victims, Alen (name changed) stated that five of them came from Toupokpi of Chakpikarong sub-division in a Bolero jeep (MN04A/5616) on January 27 to meet family members at Nungpan village. When they arrived at a house, a gypsy pulled up at the gate and the five of them were kept under arrest by the persons who identified themselves as NSCN (IM) cadres.

They were later transported to another location where they were kept for some time, later they were beaten up by the cadres on charges of campaigning for the independent candidate SS Olish. The cadres reprimanded them and ordered them that they should endorse the NPF which is supported by the NSCN (IM). Alen further stated that they were kept under constant vigil, but following some difference of opinions amongst the cadres, those guarding them asked them to flee from the spot. The five of them fled and arrived at a safe location at about 2 am today.

“ We have apprehension of going back home and feel threatened, this is not a free and fair election, we have been abducted and beaten up for trying to exercise our democratic rights. We demand intervention from the concerned government representatives in this regard and for fair conduct of polls”, he said.

Demanding that unfair means and force have been used in many polling stations in the constituency, election agent A Bungson further stated that one ST Thungnoh, who is a NSCN (IM) cadre manipulated the voting at the polling station of Chandel 41/16 by sitting near the EVM machine and making sure that all polls were awarded to the NPF.

Similarly, at polling station 41/23 of Modi Primary School, three persons vandalized the EVM and votes were not cast, the agents aside of the NPF were driven out from the polling station.

Further, in another incident, an NSCN (IM) cadre LK Binishing assaulted a woman voter at 41/31 station at Larong identified as SK Sangpen, 50, who is presently being treated at RIMS hospital for severe head injury.

Following such incidents of using muscle power by the NSCN (IM) cadres in support of the NPF candidate, the untoward matters had been reported to the CEO and the ECI yesterday. It was also learned that three gypsy vehicles of a particular department of Tengnoupal were forcibly used by the NPF supporters.

Decrying the matter, the victims and the public of the area demanded that repolls should be conducted in at least 23 stations and a judicial inquiry should also be initiated in the Tanmpi incident in which seven individuals were killed.

In another separate incident, a Congress worker of 45 Chingai AC candidate NK Shimray of Ukhrul district has been shot at by suspected NSCN (IM) cadres. Chinalong, 27, son of Ottson of Chingai sub-division has been shot by armed persons today at about 9.45 am. The incident took place at Karoktang Street as the victim was whisked away by three unknown persons and later shot him. He sustained five bullet wound in both legs and arms. The persons accompanying the victim alleged that the attack might have been the handiwork of NSCN (IM) cadres. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/nscnim-charged-with-interferring-during-polls-in-chandel-chingai-acs/

Bhatinda/Amristar, Jan 29 (ANI): Election officials in poll-bound Punjab state on Sunday initiated the final process of elections to 117 seats in the state tomorrow.

Election commission has laid down strict guidelines this year .The polling related material has been handed over to the security forces. In sensitive Bhatinda District where election officials under special facility handed over all the polling related material to the paramilitary forces.

“We have deployed paramilitary force, videographers, micro-observers who will monitor the polling booths and would ensure whether the election process is taking place in the appropriate manner. Police officers have been provided with all the subsequent material required in the polling process. We assure the people that elections would be conducted peacefully,” said Deputy Commissioner, Bhatinda District, Kamal Kishore Yadav.

Similar arrangements were made in Amritsar where election officials handed over voting machines and ballot boxes to their officers and directed them to reach their stations on time.

Meanwhile in Uttarakhand election campaign came to an end last evening.

A total of 788 candidates are tcontesting in 70 constituencies in the state where over 63 lakh electorates are expected to exercise their franchise on Monday.

The weather, which had played a spoilsport most of the time during electioneering, has changed for the better now.

The Election Commission has taken special care to assist the high altitude poll parties, which have already left for the hilly regions.

Sleeping bags, snow boots, jackets and other necessary equipments have been provided to these polling parties.

In addition, two choppers have been put on alert to launch rescue operations in case of any emergency.

The forest officials, BRO and PWD personnel were working continuously to ensure that all roads and pathways were cleared of snow in these places to facilitate voters to reach to the polling booths.

75 companies of paramilitary forces, 6000 Home Guards from Uttar Pradesh and 2000 from Himachal Pradesh and 10,000 personnel of the state police have been deployed to ensure free and fair polls.

The ensuing polls are being viewed as an opportunity for India`s major parties to re-establish or strengthen their footholds in the country`s five major states.

Punjab and Uttarakhand, along with Uttar Pradesh and Goa would undergo assembly polls between January 30 and March 3 and the results would be declared on March 6.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/punjab-and-uttarakhand-set-for-assembly-polls-today/

IMPHAL ,Jan 28: For the first time in the history of the state, the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly polls which was supposed to conclude at 3 in the evening dragged on till almost 9 pm in some stations today amidst loud groans from the weary voters.

“I have been standing in this queue since 8.25 in the morning and now its nearly 1 pm and am still nowhere near the entrance, my feet aches and I sort of feel harassed ! This is not the way that an assembly poll should be conducted and, there is something wrong with the voting system”, Shashikumari Aribam, a voter of Thangmeiband a/c told IFP.

Similar scenes were witnessed in many valley districts polling stations and complaints were voiced that the voting process was moving at a snail’s pace. Since the polling stations opened up at 7 am today, voters started queuing up and there were reports of errors in the EVM machines which caused delays in the voting process. The machines were however later fixed by experts but the delay continued.

For an individual to cast a vote , he or she must line up in separate queues and later verified by the polling agents inside the polling station by ascertaining the house number and credentials from the electoral roll of the area, later the individual is ink marked in the finger, the thumb impression taken and later a photograph is taken along with the marked fingernally, the person gets to cast the vote in the EVM. The process in many stations approximately took about 4/5 minutes per person.

Nalini, a voter of Sagolband 11/8 polling station complained, “We have been standing since morning. The afternoon Sun is also harsh and I came without having lunch in the expectation that it would be a speedy process. Where on Earth does it take more than 5/6 hours to cast your vote. This is not acceptable”, she said.

She also added that some of her friends left without casting votes due to the slow voting pace.

Meanwhile it was reported that, touts were distributing amount of Rs 1000 and above to woo voters in the polling areas.

Ranjit (name changed) of Keisamthong a/c candidly said that he was waiting till the evening to get the maximum amount being doled out by the touts. “We might even get Rs 2000, so we are holding out to see”, he said.

At the stipulated closing poll time of 3 pm, the queues were huddled inside the compounds and the gates of the pooling stations were closed by security guards banning further entry of possible voters.

The voting process carried out till late evening in the valley areas and some even reported of crossing 9.30 pm.

Interestingly, voters which were supposed to be photographed by using digital cameras for controlling proxy voters were substituted with cheap mobile phones. As darkness set in and due to shortage of power, many polling stations were illuminated with candles and the photos were shot by using candlelight.

Inquiring the CEO about the delay in the poll process, PC Lawmkunga said that it may have been caused due to the process of photographing the candidates.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/voters-irked-by-snail-pace-polling-voting-continued-at-some-stations-up-to-5-hrs-after-scheduled-closing-time/

IMPHAL ,Jan 28: For the first time in the history of the state, the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly polls which was supposed to conclude at 3 in the evening dragged on till almost 9 pm in some stations today amidst loud groans from the weary voters.

“I have been standing in this queue since 8.25 in the morning and now its nearly 1 pm and am still nowhere near the entrance, my feet aches and I sort of feel harassed ! This is not the way that an assembly poll should be conducted and, there is something wrong with the voting system”, Shashikumari Aribam, a voter of Thangmeiband a/c told IFP.

Similar scenes were witnessed in many valley districts polling stations and complaints were voiced that the voting process was moving at a snail’s pace. Since the polling stations opened up at 7 am today, voters started queuing up and there were reports of errors in the EVM machines which caused delays in the voting process. The machines were however later fixed by experts but the delay continued.

For an individual to cast a vote , he or she must line up in separate queues and later verified by the polling agents inside the polling station by ascertaining the house number and credentials from the electoral roll of the area, later the individual is ink marked in the finger, the thumb impression taken and later a photograph is taken along with the marked fingernally, the person gets to cast the vote in the EVM. The process in many stations approximately took about 4/5 minutes per person.

Nalini, a voter of Sagolband 11/8 polling station complained, “We have been standing since morning. The afternoon Sun is also harsh and I came without having lunch in the expectation that it would be a speedy process. Where on Earth does it take more than 5/6 hours to cast your vote. This is not acceptable”, she said.

She also added that some of her friends left without casting votes due to the slow voting pace.

Meanwhile it was reported that, touts were distributing amount of Rs 1000 and above to woo voters in the polling areas.

Ranjit (name changed) of Keisamthong a/c candidly said that he was waiting till the evening to get the maximum amount being doled out by the touts. “We might even get Rs 2000, so we are holding out to see”, he said.

At the stipulated closing poll time of 3 pm, the queues were huddled inside the compounds and the gates of the pooling stations were closed by security guards banning further entry of possible voters.

The voting process carried out till late evening in the valley areas and some even reported of crossing 9.30 pm.

Interestingly, voters which were supposed to be photographed by using digital cameras for controlling proxy voters were substituted with cheap mobile phones. As darkness set in and due to shortage of power, many polling stations were illuminated with candles and the photos were shot by using candlelight.

Inquiring the CEO about the delay in the poll process, PC Lawmkunga said that it may have been caused due to the process of photographing the candidates.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/voters-irked-by-snail-pace-polling-voting-continued-at-some-stations-up-to-5-hrs-after-scheduled-closing-time/

NEW DELHI, Jan. 28 (The Telegraph): The Congress appeared to have outsourced Manipur to local leaders as no senior leader, including AICC president Sonia Gandhi and AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi, campaigned in the northeastern state for tomorrow’s Assembly polls.

This is the first time when no senior Congress leader has campaigned for polls in the militancy-torn state.

Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh is contesting to retain the hot seat for the third time in a row against a united Opposition with former chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Radhabinod Koijam at the helm.

More importantly, the absence of campaigning by senior leaders indicates that militant threats have worked and allegations of corruption against Ibobi have embarrassed the high command.

A list of campaigners sent by the AICC to the Election Commission on January 10 included the names of Sonia, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi, Union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad, AICC secretaries Maj. Ved Prakash and K. Jayakumar and Luizinho Faleiro, permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee, in charge of Manipur.

Sources said even Faleiro went quietly and left on Tuesday, two days before the campaigning ended. The rest of the campaigners on the list of 40 leaders were from Manipur.

Faleiro was not available for comment despite repeated calls. Confidence in the Congress’s past successes is claimed to be one of the reasons for this. “Manipur we are winning in any case,” said Prakash, who was pulled out of Manipur and entrusted with work in Punjab polls.

The BJP, on the other hand, has worked aggressively. Star campaigners like Najma Heptullah and Hema Malini campaigned in Thoubal, Ibobi Singh’s stronghold. Heptullah has visited Manipur twice and Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Javadekar has been frequenting the state too.

The absence of senior leaders during campaigning has prompted Opposition parties and discontented former Congressmen to mock the Congress. “Both (Sonia and Rahul) had cold feet in the wake of militant threats,” said N. Biren Singh, a former minister in Ibobi’s cabinet.

The Coordination Committee, an alliance of seven militant groups from the Imphal valley, had released a list of some 1,800 Congress workers, threatening to eliminate them if they worked for the party.

So far, militants have thrown more than two dozen grenades at Congress workers’ houses and offices. Many of them exploded, including one in Imphal this morning. One person was injured in the explosion at the house of former Manipur government official and doctor Bilashini Devi at Thangmeiband in Imphal West district. Her husband had contested the last elections.

Manipur PCC chief Gaikhangam put up a brave face, as he argued that militant threats were not new and Sonia and Singh had visited Imphal last month “on the eve of declaration of election schedule”. “They didn’t come because of paucity of time. They were busy with big states like Uttar Pradesh. It was not because of law and order that they did not come,” he said over phone from Manipur.

Even Ibobi could not campaign in the hill districts where an anti-Congress wave is set to benefit Opposition parties.

The Election Commission today expressed concern over militancy during polls and attacks on personnel on polling duty. It reminded the election machinery in Manipur to ensure peace during polling.

But this has not been the case in the past.

In 2007, Sonia had campaigned in Churachandpur. Earlier, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had campaigned in Manipur, days before he was killed by an LTTE suicide bomber in Sriperambudur. Congress’s R.K Jaichandra Singh was then the chief minister of Manipur.

However, it is not only about leaders from the national capital. Even Ibobi could not campaign in the hill districts where an anti-Congress wave is set to benefit Opposition parties. He could not defuse the tension between ethnic groups such as the Kukis, the Nagas and the Meiteis in the months preceding the elections.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/senior-congress-leaders-skip-campaign/

NEW DELHI, Jan. 28 (The Telegraph): The Congress appeared to have outsourced Manipur to local leaders as no senior leader, including AICC president Sonia Gandhi and AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi, campaigned in the northeastern state for tomorrow’s Assembly polls.

This is the first time when no senior Congress leader has campaigned for polls in the militancy-torn state.

Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh is contesting to retain the hot seat for the third time in a row against a united Opposition with former chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Radhabinod Koijam at the helm.

More importantly, the absence of campaigning by senior leaders indicates that militant threats have worked and allegations of corruption against Ibobi have embarrassed the high command.

A list of campaigners sent by the AICC to the Election Commission on January 10 included the names of Sonia, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi, Union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad, AICC secretaries Maj. Ved Prakash and K. Jayakumar and Luizinho Faleiro, permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee, in charge of Manipur.

Sources said even Faleiro went quietly and left on Tuesday, two days before the campaigning ended. The rest of the campaigners on the list of 40 leaders were from Manipur.

Faleiro was not available for comment despite repeated calls. Confidence in the Congress’s past successes is claimed to be one of the reasons for this. “Manipur we are winning in any case,” said Prakash, who was pulled out of Manipur and entrusted with work in Punjab polls.

The BJP, on the other hand, has worked aggressively. Star campaigners like Najma Heptullah and Hema Malini campaigned in Thoubal, Ibobi Singh’s stronghold. Heptullah has visited Manipur twice and Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Javadekar has been frequenting the state too.

The absence of senior leaders during campaigning has prompted Opposition parties and discontented former Congressmen to mock the Congress. “Both (Sonia and Rahul) had cold feet in the wake of militant threats,” said N. Biren Singh, a former minister in Ibobi’s cabinet.

The Coordination Committee, an alliance of seven militant groups from the Imphal valley, had released a list of some 1,800 Congress workers, threatening to eliminate them if they worked for the party.

So far, militants have thrown more than two dozen grenades at Congress workers’ houses and offices. Many of them exploded, including one in Imphal this morning. One person was injured in the explosion at the house of former Manipur government official and doctor Bilashini Devi at Thangmeiband in Imphal West district. Her husband had contested the last elections.

Manipur PCC chief Gaikhangam put up a brave face, as he argued that militant threats were not new and Sonia and Singh had visited Imphal last month “on the eve of declaration of election schedule”. “They didn’t come because of paucity of time. They were busy with big states like Uttar Pradesh. It was not because of law and order that they did not come,” he said over phone from Manipur.

Even Ibobi could not campaign in the hill districts where an anti-Congress wave is set to benefit Opposition parties.

The Election Commission today expressed concern over militancy during polls and attacks on personnel on polling duty. It reminded the election machinery in Manipur to ensure peace during polling.

But this has not been the case in the past.

In 2007, Sonia had campaigned in Churachandpur. Earlier, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had campaigned in Manipur, days before he was killed by an LTTE suicide bomber in Sriperambudur. Congress’s R.K Jaichandra Singh was then the chief minister of Manipur.

However, it is not only about leaders from the national capital. Even Ibobi could not campaign in the hill districts where an anti-Congress wave is set to benefit Opposition parties. He could not defuse the tension between ethnic groups such as the Kukis, the Nagas and the Meiteis in the months preceding the elections.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/senior-congress-leaders-skip-campaign/

IMPHAL, Jan 28: There might be possibility of repoll in some polling stations. Aside from the ambush site at Tampi Primary School and damaging an EVM at Moreh ward number 8, polling station number 42/58  by four women.

These polling stations are most likely to be repolled.

Aside from these, there has been reports that the polling station at Azuram which is located 50 kilometres from has had zero turnout of voters today. Another similar issue is reported from Naga Ching station of Khoupum area. Both polling stations according to reliable sources have witnessed zero turn out of voters and there has been no recorded polls. The reasons have not been ascertained as of yet but, it is stated that a particular hill based UG outfit has imposed dictates on the movement of voters of the said areas which comes under Tamenglong 53 ST. The assembly constituency has a total of 43 polling stations out of which 39 are deemed sensitive and 4 as hypersensitive.

Repoll is also likely in at least two stations of Chingai assembly constituency of Ukhrul district where incidents of snatching and damaging of EVMs have been reported.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/repoll-predicted-in-many-hill-districts/

IMPHAL, Jan 28: There might be possibility of repoll in some polling stations. Aside from the ambush site at Tampi Primary School and damaging an EVM at Moreh ward number 8, polling station number 42/58  by four women.

These polling stations are most likely to be repolled.

Aside from these, there has been reports that the polling station at Azuram which is located 50 kilometres from has had zero turnout of voters today. Another similar issue is reported from Naga Ching station of Khoupum area. Both polling stations according to reliable sources have witnessed zero turn out of voters and there has been no recorded polls. The reasons have not been ascertained as of yet but, it is stated that a particular hill based UG outfit has imposed dictates on the movement of voters of the said areas which comes under Tamenglong 53 ST. The assembly constituency has a total of 43 polling stations out of which 39 are deemed sensitive and 4 as hypersensitive.

Repoll is also likely in at least two stations of Chingai assembly constituency of Ukhrul district where incidents of snatching and damaging of EVMs have been reported.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/repoll-predicted-in-many-hill-districts/