Insurgency & politics dominate Manipur

IMPHAL, Dec 30 –The year 2002 was marked in Manipur by a spurt in insurgent activities and hectic confabulations among the non-governmental organisations and the political parties in the State who resolved on April 31 to protect territorial integrity of Manipur at a meet organised by the United Committee Manipur at State Guest House here. There was a State-wide protest against the Centre’s decision to extend ceasefire purview between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Issak-Muivah) – NSCN-IM) to Manipur. The State also witnessed spontaneous public outcry over atrocities and harassment of passengers including alleged molestation of two girls, of three Manipur-bound buses by miscreants on National Highway-39 near Piphema in Nagaland on September 5. The All Manipur Students Union organised sit-in protests while the UCM appealed to the people to stay off the routes passing through Nagaland. There were also allegations that Nagaland police shielded four looters involved in Pephema incident. The situation was saved with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the officials of Manipur and Nagaland Governments on the impasse. The year also saw the rout of several heavyweights in Assembly polls to 20 seats in five hill districts, whose results were declared on February 25. Ex-Chief Minister Rishang Keishing, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Chandramani, ex-Speaker Dr Dhananjay and Prof Gangmumei Kamei lost. On March, MPCC(I) president Okram Ibobi was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of the State with three Cabinet Ministers. Ex-Chief Minister RK Dorendro was appointed as Protem Speaker of the Assembly. On March 8, former Minister TN Haokyo of Churachandpur district was elected as the speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly. The five-party Secular Democratic Front (SPF) coalition Government Ministry was expanded with 17 new Ministers. In a significant move, the State Cabinet decides to lift prohibition on sale of Indian made foreign liquor from five hill districts on June 7. The State was rocked by disclosure of the Vigilance department that Rs 11 lakh was misappropriated in the Education department. Rice scandal in Ukhrul also surfaced on July 5. The Sports sector was favourable for the State with Manipur entering the final of the coveted Santosh trophy which began here on October 17. It drubbed Goa in a tie-breaker. The state team subsequently won the 58th Santosh Trophy on November 5 for the first time in its history. However, four days later, the All India Football Federation fined the All Manipur Football Association Rs 1 lakh for crowd trouble during the Santosh Trophy finals. Altogether 29 teams participated in it. Manipur also won the national Sepak Takraw competition held on November 13 in Imphal. The Mr Manipur 2002 title was won by K Depolin of Imphal. The State Government announced cash incentives to successful sportspersons from Manipur. On the cultural side, Miss Chinminchong was crowned the new Miss Kut 2002 at the Kut festival for Chin-Kuki-Mizo which began on November 1. The coveted Miss Manipur 2002 crown was bagged by Ms Pukhrambam Sushela on November 27. On the other hand, the house of State Public Works Minister Gaikhangam was attacked on November 11 in connection with the scrapping of Zeliangrong’s ‘Gaan-Ngai festival from the holidays list of the State. The Cabinet later revoked the decision in favour of the community. The State observed the historic Nupi Lan Day on December 12.