Politics / Manipur

Imphal, March 05: The Democratic Peoples' Party, DPP has alleged that the Congress is not committed to taking steps for reviewing the proclamation of disturbed area under which the draconian Armed Forces Special Power Act, AFSPA, 1958 is promulgated. Stating that Manipur has been reeling for the past 21 years under various draconian acts such as the AFSPA, the DPP also held the BJP responsible for the Naga ceasefire extension to Manipur and the consequent turmoil the state had faced. The DPP further said that in view of the lack of commitment by the Congress, the party will play the decisive...

Imphal, March 05: The President of India, KR Narayanan, has approved the recommendation of the Union cabinet for the revocation of President's Rule in Manipur to clear the way for the installation of a new popularly elected government in the state according to a reliable source in New Delhi. The cabinet had sought the President's approval this evening, and the President has promptly given his green signal, passing back the matter to the government to complete the necessary formalities for the revocation process, including intimating the state Governor, Ved Marwah, the source said. A Raj Bhavan...

Imphal, March 03: The BJP, the Samata Party, the MPP, and the Federal Party of Manipur have formed a new political alliance, dubbed the Democratic People?s Alliance, but have decided not to make a bid for power at this time. Disclosing this at a press conference today, leaders of the new alliance said they would work as a responsible and constructive opposition group in the Assembly. The four parties have a combined strength of 22 among them, including thirteen of the FPM, four of BJP, three of Samata Party, and two of the MPP. Prof Gangmumei Kamei, FPM vice president, said a coordination...

Imphal, March 02: One person was beaten to death by two MR jawans at Lungangching, Litan, under Ukhrul district this morning around 9.30 am, according to reports reaching here. The deceased has been identified as PS Wingnayu Tangkhul, 35, hailing from Maram, presently residing at Lungangching. According to family sources, the victim was called out by two 6 MR jawans from his home this morning. The sources alleged that the victim was hit at his head using a wooden stick and that his body was later thrown into the Thoubal river some distance away from his home. The two MR jawans involved were...

Imphal, March 02: Even though Governor Ved Marwah has invited the Secular Progressive Front, SPF to form the next government, the constituent partners of the SPF are yet to decided on the post of Deputy Chief Minister and Speaker. Sources said that the CPI is keen on the post of Speaker but the Congress too wants the same as it is the larget party in the Assembly. A prominent front member said that if the CPI is awarded with the Speaker?s post then chances of defection will go down as the CPI is a disciplined party which has no record of major defections amongst its members. This will ensure...

Imphal, March 02: The Governor of Manipur, Ved Prakash Marwah has decided to invite Okram Ibobi Singh, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, and head of the Secular Progressive Front alliance, to form a new government in the state. The Governor's decision came after the Secular Progressive Front, with a strength of 35 newly elected MLA's formally staked its claim to form the government today under the leadership of O Ibobi Singh. Ibobi is to be asked to seek a vote of confidence within a week of assumption of office, according to a statement released late today by the state Raj Bhavan. The...

Imphal, March 01: Although the Congress led Secular Progressive Front, SPF, is set to form the next government, there is still no assurance of a hiccup free passage. The 9-member SPF steering committee meeting today could not arrive at any conclusive decision as to how the front should proceed and another meeting of the committee is scheduled for tomorrow morning. There seems no trouble so far, but the number balance is so precarious that any of the major constituents can seriously rock and even capsize the SPF boat. The total strength of the front is at the moment 36 and can still be held at...

Imphal, March 01: At least six residents of Nongda village under Lamlai police station in Imphal east district were seriously hurt and several other youths got minor injuries after they were assaulted by personnel of the 8th Assam Rifles Yangangpokpi post this morning following a bomb attack on an 8th AR column in between Leimakhong Mapal and Nongda this morning by unknown UGs. According to an official source, the IED bomb which was planted by unknown UGs was first detected by an Army dog named Miss Mala which was accompanying an AR column on foot patrol along the Nongda road this morning...

Imphal, March 01: The steering committee of the Congress-led four party Secular Progressive Front, headed by veteran politician Rishang Keishing convened from 9 am today to draft the common minimum programme for the front. Though as per reliable sources the draft common minimum programme has been almost finalized, it will be made public only tomorrow after giving the final touches. While the details of the draft common minimum programme have not been divulged, it is learnt that it lays emphasis on protection of territorial integrity, bringing underground groups to the negotiating table for...

Imphal, February 28: Altogether 41 candidates who were MLAs in the 7th State Assembly including bigwigs like former Chief Ministers Rishang Keishing, Radhabinod Koijam, W Nipamacha and former Deputy-Chief Minister Dr L Chandramani who were tipped as Chief Ministerial candidates in the pre-poll scenario could not make a return trip to the 8th State Assembly. Others biting the dust include State Assembly Speaker Dr S Dhananjoy, Prof Gangmumei Kamei, H Bidur, H Bhuban and Dr Y Jiten. A total of 59 former MLAs contested in the recent poll. Of them, 17 have returned to the new House Prominent among...