Imphal, February 25: The second day of counting of votes for the 8th Assembly elections threw up some big surprises with several more political heavyweights falling. Chief among these are former chief minister Rishang Keishing, former deputy CM Dr L Chandramani and Speaker Dr Sapam Dhananjoy. Results of all 40 Assembly constituencies in the valley areas, and all of the hill constituencies, except those where repolls are due to take place have been declared. The Congress is still in the lead, securing 15 of the 52 seats whose results have been declared so far, while the Federal Party of Manipur...

Ukhrul, February 25: Wungnaoshang Keishing created perhaps one of the biggest upset in the history of Manipur?s electoral politics by defeating Rishang Keishing ? a feat that was hitherto thought to be impossible. Wungnaoshang Keishing secured a total of 4412 votes ahead of the man who has been chief minister of the state longer than all others who has ever held the post, Rishang Keishing could manage only 3423 votes. Wungnaoshang, of the MSCP before the polls was dubbed a ?nonentity? but by his feat has etched a name for himself in the state?s electoral history. Making the story more...

Imphal, February 25: The two newly elected MLAs of the DPP, N Biren and Dr Th Meinya today pledged that they would abide by the principles of the party and work towards ushering in a new Manipur. Dr Th Meinya who was elected from Konthoujam AC told The Sangai Express that many former MLAs have been shown the door by the electorates for their misdeeds and misdoings. Dr Meinya said the DPP will go along with other like minded political parties in its efforts to bring in a new change. However the DPP is also ready to play the role of a constructive Opposition, he added. Whatever the case DPP will...

KOHIMA, Feb 24 — Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir has offered senior NSCN(I-M) leaders safe passage to facilitate their visits to State for strengthening the on-going peace process. Jamir announced he was ready to repeal arrest warrants issued against NSCN(I-M) top brasses in connection with the ambush on him on November 29, 1999 near Piphema, where he had a miraculous escape. Addressing a public rally at Pughoboto under Zunheboto district, the Chief Minister reiterated that he had pardoned all those who made attempts on his life for the greater interest of the Naga peace process. Jamir...

GUWAHATI, Feb 24— Four hardcore militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) were killed in a two-hour-long gun-battle with the Army and police near the famous Stilwell Road inside the Tinkopani Reserve Forest under Lekhapani police station of Tinsukia district today. One Armyman also received bullet injuries but he is reported to be out of danger. The Superintendent of Police of Tinsukia district, Sri A J Baruah, giving details of the incident, said that the movement of the security forces along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border areas was increased following reports...