Manipur Congress flays NSCN(M)

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

IMPHAL May 5: The Deputy Chief Minister Giakhangam Gangmei who is also the home minister and president of the ruling Congress in Manipur has made a frontal attack against the NSCN(IM) which is holding talks with the Indian government. He said that because of the threats by this outfit his party cannot contest all the seats in two districts, Sepati and Tamenglong district.His unspoken message is that there is no such threat in the remaining five hill districts.

So far there has been no response from the NSCN(IM). The United ga Council was also charged with making such threats to the Congress members. However, the UNC had refuted it in the strongest term. What is clear is that the Congress shall not be able to contest all the seats in the two districts. But then it is not explained why the remaining Congress candidates in the two districts do not face threats. In each district there are 24 seats for the Autonomous District Council. In case of the Sepati district there are two ADCs. If the threat is palpable and genuine then all the Congress candidates in the two district should have felt the same problem. Out of 24 majority of the seats are being contested by the Congress candidates while in some segments there is reportedly the threat perception. Gangmei needs to explain only some Congress members face the threat.

Meanwhile the BJP members in Tamrnglong district are not pleased with the “corruption” in the allotment of party tickets to the intending BJP candidates for the ADC polls in the district. In a statement these angry members are threatening to take up the matter at the higher level. However there is no reaction to the higher ups of the party as yet.

Most of the political leaders in Manipur are saying that if there is a free and fair poll their parties will win hands down. But then shortly after the by poll in the Hiyanglam constituency local newspapers came out with screaming headlines that each voter was bribed as high as Rs 5000. The Congress emerged victorious. There was no denial from the candidates and their political parties.

History may be repeated this time. Besides the threat perception made an issue by the Congress is unconvincing.