The Hindu : National : Campaigning for second phase ends in Manipur

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007
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National

National

Campaigning for second phase ends in Manipur

Iboyaima Laithangbam

Central leaders, former Prime Ministers visit Manipur to campaign

IMPHAL: Electioneering in Manipur for the second phase of polling in 29 constituencies, to be held on Wednesday, ended on Monday. There are a total of 155 candidates for the polls to be held in 10 constituencies in Imphal East district, 13 in Imphal West district and six in Bishnupur district. Three former Chief Ministers, Rajkumar Dorendra, Wahengbam Nipamacha and Radhabinod Koijam, and 15 former and incumbent Ministers are in the fray. The former Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Thounaojam Chaoba, is contesting from Namobl in Bishnupur.

Many Central leaders and former Prime Ministers campaigned in the State. H.D. Deve Gowda campaigned for the Janata Dal (Secular) while Congress president Sonia Gandhi addressed public meetings in four districts during her two visits.

The actual fight is expected to be between the ruling Congress and the Manipur People's Party (MPP). The Congress is contesting from all the 60 constituencies.As there are a number of prestigious seats in the districts that go to the polls on Wednesday, the stakes are very high. There have been several election-related incidents of violence in the past few days. On Monday, gunmen attacked the house of Keisham Rojen, contesting from the Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Leikai constituency on the RJD ticket. The house of Ajit, an independent candidate in the Thongju constituency, was attacked several times. The house of Keba, contesting the Patsoi seat was attacked.

Meanwhile, the 11 independents sponsored by the United Naga Council (UNC) in the Naga dominated hill areas appear to be on strong ground. It is a kind of referendum for the demand of the Nagas for the unification of the Naga dominated areas with Nagaland. In fact, all elected Naga representatives have been submitting memoranda to the Prime Minister requesting him to bring all Naga dominated areas under a single administrative roof.

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