manipurmail – Page 230

AR assists in de-induction of EVM’s and polling officials

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 30: The 10th Assembly election finally culminated with the electorates exercising their franchise right on 28 Jan 12 and fate of the candidate contending the election was sealed in the EVMs. Assam Rifles assisted the de-induction of the EVMs and polling officials and facilitated their move from far flung places in the State to the district headquarters by utilizing its resources. Evacuation of the EVMs was carried out both by air and road while Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personals were provided assistance by provision of safe corridors, security and guidance on their move back. Helipads in Ukhrul district were activated by Assam Rifles for MI-17 helicopters for air lift of 21 EVMs which were then de-inducted alongwith polling officials to district headquarters. The polling officials alongwith EVMs were escorted safely from various polling booths in the state to the respective district headquarters. In one of the incident, troops of 24 Assam rifles while de-inducting polling officials from Polling Booth No.42/11 to Chandel district headquarters sustained injuries when they cleared the rout mined with an IED with the aim of targeting polling officials near New Narong between Sita and Sairam.

NIT for school children

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 30: A National Integration Tour (NIT) consisting of 30 Students from different villages of Senapati District from class VIII to class X alongwith Two Teachers and a conducting team lead by Maj A Karjagi was Flagged off by GOC 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, VSM from Maram on 30 Jan 2012.
The National Integration Tour has been organized by 5 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Senapati Brigade of the Red Shield Division. The NIT team shall be visiting various locations at Dimapur, Siliguri and Kolkatta and shall also get an opportunity to meet and interact with Army Commander Eastern Command and GOC 3 Corps during their visit in addition to various locations of Educational importance and Tourist interest.
Speaking at the Flag Off ceremony the GOC reiterated the need for broadening the horizon for the young students who are the future of the country and encouraged them to utilize this opportunity to learn about the opportunities that are available outside and to also imbibe the values of people from different State’s of India which shall assist them in becoming better human beings and actively contribute towards the development of the society.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nit-for-school-children/

cross country run

Cadets of the No 1 Manipur Air Sqn (Flying) NCC conducted a cross country race at the Kangla fort on 30 Jan 2012. “The exercise was to imbibe competition, espirit-de-corps love and respect for the great culture and history of Manipur in the young cadets attending the camp from various parts of the State”, said Flt Lt K.U Singh, the Camp Commandant. The young cadets ran from their campsite at the DM College camp where they are presently undergoing a 10 days Annual Training Camp towards Kangla Fort and entered Kangla through the western gate and exited through the north A.O.C gate, terminating the race at the NCC ground. About 300 cadets participated in the race and enjoyed the scenic beauty and refreshing air insie the Kangla Fort. It was a thrilling experience for all the cadets as some of them have never seen the Ancient Fortress earlier.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cross-country-run/

Insurgency affected Mizoram badly : Lal Thanhawla

Aizawl, Jan 30 NNN : Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla today said that due to the long 20-years insurgency, Mizoram could not join with its counterparts in respect of development in economy but with the help of various nationalised agency like NABARD, the state’s economy and development is on the path of improvement.
The chief minister was saying this while delivering a speech at the ‘State Credit Seminar for 2012-13’ organised by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Mizoram regional office in Aizawl today.
Lal Thanhawla Mizoram is rich in various natural resources which will greatly act as a catalyst in the improvement of the state’s economy. He also informed the gathering that his government will take necessary steps to materialise the points which are mentioned in the State Focus Paper prepared by NABARD.
State Credit Seminar 2012-13 is being organised to discuss State Focus Paper prepared by the NABARD for the upcoming year i,e,. 2012-13.
Lal Thanhawla while expressing concern for improvement of farmers said that agriculture credit flow should be introduced more extensively across the state so that each and every farmer enjoys the benefit. The chief minister also asked NABARD to introduce scheme for government flagship programme New Land Use Policy (NLUP) beneficiaries so as to make them successful in utilising the funds received through the programme (NLUP). He further asked NABARD to continue giving credit support to various self help groups and give special attention to hand-loom sector. “NABARD should frequently organise awareness programme so that loan repayment will be more regular, he appealed. The present condition of loan repayment which stood at 63% is comparatively low,” said the chief minister.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/insurgency-affected-mizoram-badly-lal-thanhawla/

CBI files a chargesheet against an mla of jharkhand

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Jan 30: A chargesheet has been filed in a Disproportionate Assets case against an MLA, Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha who was formerly a Minister in Jharkhand. Six more persons i.e. his wife; brother-in-law; two brothers; nephew & an Associate have also been chargesheeted for having abetted the offence. The CBI investigation has revealed the alleged possession of assets disproportionate to the extent of Rs.16.82 crore over and above income.
This case was earlier investigated by the Jharkhand State Vigilance. The Jharkhand High Court, while hearing a PIL, transferred investigation of this case to CBI.
The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has today arrested the then Vice Chairman & MD of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (an IAS Officer), presently Principal Secretary (Home) of Andhra Pradesh Government in an on-going investigation of a case.
A case was registered U/s 120-B r/w 420, 409, 420, 477A of Indian Penal Code and Sec.13(2) r/w 13(1) (c) & (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act on the orders of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh in Writ Petition No.29358 of 2010 against Hyderabad-based private Real Estate company, its sister concerns and others on the allegation of execution of a real estate project at Manikonda in Hyderabad with the connivance of certain public servants of the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh.
The accused was posted as Vice Chairman & Managing Director/CMD of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), Hyderabad during the period 2005-2009 and the integrated project was being executed by the Hyderabad based private Real Estate Company under his supervision.
The accused is being produced today before the Special Judge for CBI Cases, Hyderabad.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-files-a-chargesheet-against-an-mla-of-jharkhand/

Repoll demanded

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 30: Various political parties including president of TMC, Kim Gangte pressurized to repoll in some polling stations.
The president while meeting the press at Manipur Press club said, she submitted representation to Ripoll in five hill districts of Manipur to ECI and CEO.
The election was affected as those UGs who signed Soo with govt. also involved in the election.
Poll of 99.1 % was reported from PS 49/29,30,31,32 under Maram. This is not satisfactory. At 42 PS, Tengnoupal, 24 PS- Saikot KNA and other UGs captured booth and Poll P.C at Saikul area was 90. No observers of hills did not come to PS.
Two workers TMC, Ngangdonglian and Doungel were kidnapped by armed persons in the morning of January 28 and did not release till today. They were kidnapped while travelling in a Bolero Car.
Security were withdrawn from non-Congress Candidates in hill district from after noon of January 28.
The North East in-Charge Tarpa Gao of BVP while meeting the media at BJP office this afternoon also demanded in eight PS of Thoubal viz, 31-6, 31-11, 31-18, 31-21. 31-24, 31-35, 31-36, 31-31 and also demanded to repoll in same PS under Saikot.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/repoll-demanded/

Band Polarimetric Doppler Radar- Better Weather Predictions

Kalpana Palkhiwala
Radars will not tell you if it is going to rain tomorrow. However, when something arises on the horizon and that cloud floats to your city, the Polarimetric Doppler radar will be at your service with precise information with estimated rain, storm structure, snow rates etc.
The First C-Band Polarimetric Doppler Radar of the country started working in Delhi on January 15th, 2012 i.e. from the 137th Foundation Day of India Meteorological Department. Most weather radars transmit radio wave pulses that have a horizontal orientation. Polarimetric radars transmit radio wave pulses that have both horizontal and vertical orientation. The horizontal pulses essentially give a measure of the horizontal dimension of cloud (cloud water and cloud ice) and precipitation (snow, ice pellets, hail and rain) particles while the vertical pulses essentially give a measure of the vertical dimension. Since the power returned to the radar is a complicated function of each particle size, shape and ice density, this additional information results in improved estimates of rain, snow rate, better detection of large hail location in storms, and improved identification of rain/snow transition regions in winter storms. Doppler radar has added capability of being able to measure a frequency shift that is introduced into the reflected signal by the motion of the cloud and precipitation particles. This frequency shift is then used to determine wind speed.
The C-Band Polarimetric Doppler Radar at Delhi has the latest state of the art technology used for weather surveillance. It uses advanced algorithms to generate information which is vital for detecting severe weather phenomena such as rain, hail storm etc., with greater accuracy. Due to this additional information it is very useful to issue weather forecasts and warnings for events which are likely to occur within short period of time also known as nowcasting.
Variables Measured
The C-band Polarimetric radar has capability to measure mainly four variables such as Differential Reflectivity, Correlation Coefficient, Linear Depolarization ratio and Specific Differential Phase. Besides this, total and horizontal Reflectivity, Radial velocity, Spectral width and Hydromet classification will be measured.
The Differential Reflectivity (ZDR) indicates ratio of the reflected horizontal and vertical power returns. Among other things, it is a good indicator of drop shape. In turn the shape is a good estimate of average drop size. Cross Correlation Coefficient (Rho-HV) is a statistical correlation between reflected horizontal and vertical power returns. It is an indicator of regions of precipitation types, such as rain and snow. It is prominently used for hydrometeor classification. Differential Phase (Phi-DP) and Specific Differential Phase is a comparisons of the returned phase difference between horizontal and vertical pulses, caused by the difference in number of wave cycles (wavelengths) along the propagation path for horizontal and vertically polarized waves. This normalized to a standard displacement is termed as Specific Differential Phase (KDP) which directly correlates with the “propagation effect” and a good estimator of rain rate as it is independent of calibration, and other radar related parameters.
It will measure Total Reflectivity (TH) which is measured in the horizontal plane in logarithmic scale equated relative to 1 mm drop in meter cube, without any correction and filtering of unwanted echoes. Horizontal Reflectivity (ZH) is the corrected Total Reflectivity (ZH) for ground returns, non perceptible echoes, interferences, and enhancing the signal quality through signal qualifiers of LOG(weather data gathered in a scientific, consistent manner), SQI ( Special Qualification Identifiers), CSR (Coherent Scatter Radars which operate in the frequency range between ionosondes and ISRs who scatter off thermal fluctuations in the plasma) etc. Radial Velocity (V) will be measured which is the Reflectivity averaged radial velocity of the scatterer. Colour coded analogous to frequency red shift in astronomy, i.e. red colour echoes moving away and cool colours moving towards radar will be analyzed. Spectral Width (W) will be measured which is the spread of the return signal attributed directly to the turbulence of the atmosphere. Hydromet Classification (HCLASS) is a special Higher signal processing capability with which radar classify the echoes during data acquisition, based on other moments and proven algorithms employing fuzzy logic.
Benefits
The improvements associated with polarimetric Doppler radars come with their ability to provide previously unavailable information on cloud and precipitation particle size, shape, and ice density. It is independent of calibration errors and has fine tuning. It will greatly help meteorologists, hydrologists, aviation users and society. Polarimetric radar will significantly improve the accuracy of estimates of amount of precipitation (snow, ice pellets, hail and rain).It will now tell difference between very heavy rain and hail, which will improve flash floods watches and warnings and disaster management. The sudden, ferocious thunder storms lash the eastern part of India, particularly the north-east region and states of Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal and Bihar during the month of Baisakh (April-May) at regular interval. This kal-Baisakhi take great toll on lives and property. The C-band Polarimetric radar will be a boon to give indication of kal-baisakhi. It will also contribute to increased lead time in flash floods and winter weather hazard warnings and severe hazards like thunder storms, kal- Baisakhis and cyclonic circulations. It has better ability to correct signal attenuation due to atmosphere including attenuation due to rain in cyclonic wall clouds.
Due to advanced algorithms and software which uses polarimetric data, it will generate better estimates of rainfall. Rainfall in catchment areas of dams can be monitored. It will provide critical rainfall estimation information for stream flow hence is very useful for hydrological studies. It will be useful in water management. It will detect aviation hazards such as birds (ornithological echoes), insects etc. It is able to identify no-meteorological echoes with better accuracy than conventional radars. (PIB Feautre).

Militants nabbed

Discovering the movement of UG cadres at Laphu Pat Tera Maya Leikai, troops of 27 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) launched operation in the area and apprehended one UNLF cadre on 29 Jan 12. The apprehendee was identified as Deva Chandra (23), s/o N Mangijao, r/o Laphu Pat Tera Maya Leikai. In a joint operation by 5/9 GR and 6/8 GR of Red Shield Division on specific information, apprehended a UNLF cadre namely SS Pvt Sanjoi Singh, s/o Late L Thonba, r/o Project Mapal Taupokpi of Bishenpur District from Toupokpi Area on 30 Jan 2012. The apprehendee was handed over to Police Station Bishenpur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/militants-nabbed-11/

Scribe reporting bandh attacked

Journalists who went to take report of the 12 hour general strike called to protest the killing of a one Smt. Moirangthem (o) Ragini Devi was attacked using catapults today. Spectacles of a scribe was pulled off and thrown away. To protest the attack …

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/scribe-reporting-bandh-attacked/

Violent, expensive elections

The 10th Assembly elections must be one of the most violent elections the state has witnessed. Most violence were related to insurgents and even those groups now on truce with the government. What does it mean ? It means the state has failed to understand the insurgency problem and bring an end to it. Former insurgents, pro talk insurgents or hard core all seem to be bent on disturbing the elections. The reasons may be different, some want to project their own candidates, some to oppose the system itself. Whatever be the reason the state should seriously deal with the protracted insurgency problem otherwise the loss of lives and properties will continue and may increase with each coming elections. The casualties inflicted are tremendous , so many innocent lives are lost, workers fight among themselves when the candidates and the winners will become friends tomorrow. Serious election reforms are needed. The mechanism to check election expenditure was successful from the outside but when seriously viewed specially on the election day Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes were everywhere, in the streets, bylanes, near the polling stations. It can be gauged from the poll trend itself, people started coming out after noon and by 1 and 2 pm activities of the candidates and their supporters increased near the polling stations. The failure is the inability of the authority to involve people’s participation in the campaign against misuse of power and money. All the discussions, campaigns could not be seen in the newspaper, it would have been good if discussions were organised in the private TV channels, however unluckily people could not watch TV as there was no power supply during the peak of election time. When election notification was issued the Electricity department also issued black out order. How can we expect flawless election process when people did not get the chance to listen to the candidates. We wonder how many public functions the candidates addressed during the entire one month campaign. Democracy will be meaningful only when there is full participation of the people.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/violent-expensive-elections/

Niki gets gold in Classical dance

Niki Namoijam of Keishamthong Top Leirak who took part in the Manipuri Classical solo dance in the 17th national youth festival 2012 held at Mangalore, Karnataka from January 12 to 16 bagged gold medal.
She staged Krishna Natan. The award carries one merit certificate and Rs. 10 thousand in cash.
The youths club, Keishamthong Top Leirak lauded her as she bagged the prestigious award.
Niki Namoijam who is a student of Class XI of Ibotonsana Girls Higher Secondary School is at present studying in diploma first year in JN Dance Akademi, Imphal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/niki-gets-gold-in-classical-dance/

NSCN forces people to vote for NPF

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 29: The worker of an independent candidate of Chandel A/C Shri Bungson said, NSCN (I/M) forcibly asked the voters to cast vote for NPF candidate Nunglung Victor in the election of state assembly election held yesterday.
While meeting the press, the worker of independent candidate SS Olish said, Some persons including three women were proceeding towards Chakpikarong from Chandel in a Bolero on January 27 however they were stopped by NSCN (I/M) cadres on the way and brought to Khunchung AC ballation where they were tortured however the workers escaped from there this early morning around two a.m. The voters cast their vote for NPF candidate at PS number 23. The another independent candidate of the A/C WM Karan was also withdrawn by NSCN. As the worker of Olish felt apprehension, they were shifted to the houses of relatives in Imphal.
Applications for re-poll at the said PS were submitted to ECI and RO, he further told the media.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-forces-people-to-vote-for-npf/

Woman killed in poll violence, bandh called

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 29: In a poll related violence, one woman was killed while two others received injuries when police fired at a crowd assembled in front of the house of Moirangthem Subon of Tentha Khunou Bazar last night around nine p.m.
M. Subon is the brother in law of MSCP candidate, Paonam Brojen of Wangjing Tentha Assembly constituency.
The deceased woman was identified as Moirangthem Ragini (48) of Tentha Khongban. Those injured were identified as Naorem
Sorodhoni, Tentha Khongban, Moirangthem Medhapati, Tentha Heibung. They were rushed to Thoubal district hospital. The tense followed after workers of P. Brojen damaged and burnt dawn some houses of CPI Candidate M. Nara.The CPI workers later burnt dawn the house of M. Subon who is the brother in law of P. Brojen.
In connection with the killing of woman and injuring others a JAC has been formed after a meeting was held at Tentha Khongban today.
The meeting decided to extend a financial assistance of Rs. Five lakhs to the victim’s family, to provide a govt. job and Rs. One lakh each to those injured.
A representative of JAC said blamed the police who reached there after the burning dawn of the house of Subol.
Moirangthem Subon also said he did not involve in the election. About three thousand people came there, damaged and burnt his house.
They also carried Rs. Five lakhs and gold ornaments from his house. To protest the killing a bandh has been called tomorrow from 5 am to 5 pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/woman-killed-in-poll-violence-bandh-called/

ZUF not involved

Imphal, Jan 28 NNN : The militant outfit Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) Saturday strongly condemned the allegation made by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Gaikhangam against the outfit for committing poll violence and killing people in hill areas of Manipur.
ZUF general secretary A. Remroi, said it was a false allegation against the outfit for its involvement in the killing of one Makuchung Panmei, 60 w/o late Namshipou and injuring of an Indian National Congress (INC) worker, Gangpuhai Kabui D/O Gaidanchu of Khoupum village Khunou.
Reiterating that the young people of Zeliangrong, Inpui, Chiru and other kin tribes are struggling for solidarity and stability among the different communities to bring peace, human rights and dignity, the ZUF said, “We are deeply concerned of our rights, land and resources from being exploited by other communities.” Remroi also warned that it would not tolerate any kind of disturbances and further violence in the future, saying that the outfit condemns
the trails of violent acts in the run up to the 10th Manipur Assembly elections. “ZUF is not involved in such poll related violence
because it obliges its official decision to step back from committing violence in any way during the poll process.”
He added, ZUF will not spare those militants involved in poll violence and also appealed to all for a peaceful conduct of electoral process in a democratic manner.
Meanwhile, in another release, the ZUF has on Saturday deeply condoled the sad demise of one of its sergeant majors, Gongsinlung Kamson, 27 s/o Alim Kamei of Mhainamchi village in Zalukei of Nagaland.
It said the sergeant major passed away on January 24 at Khoupum Guitang village in Tamenglong district of Manipur and added that the militant outfit has lost one of its valiant soldiers, saying it shares the grief of the bereaved family.
ZUF also strongly condemned the dastardly act of NSCN-IM cadres for injuries inflicted on three unarmed civilians at Longmai (Noney) on January 23 by interfering in the Manipur general elections. It said its army wing, the Zeliangrong Tiger Force will not spare those assailants and that action will be followed up against them.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/zuf-not-involved/

Fates of 279 candidates sealed in EVMs Seven killed at Chandell, 81 percent poll percentage recorded

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 28: Seven persons, including a woman were killed in a shoot out inside a small polling booth that ensued between poll security personnel and suspected militants at Chakpikarong in Chandel district of Manipur which went to poll today.
The victims are identified as Kh. Ibotombi, Returning Officer of 41/40 Chakpikarong Constituency, a Secton Officer (SO) of PWD Chandel, hailing from Kakching Khunou in Thoubal district, Rakesh Ukundung Anal, Kshetrimayum Premjit of Kakching Turel Wangma, Behenson of Chakpikarong, U. Tripathi, personnel of 155th battalion of CRPF F-Coy, hailing from Uttar Pradesh , Adum Rongmei and Khihmanlue Rongmei.
One .20 pistol was recovered from the slain assailant, police said.
The incident happened at around 12 30 pm Saturday at a polling booth of 41/40 Chakpikarong in Chandel assembly constituency when three suspected militants suddenly appeared and tried to force themselves inside the booth but the CRPF personnel manning trhe booth prevented them. The police said, in no time the gunmen opened fire at the poll booth killing six persons and injured three of them. One succumbed while he was being shifted to Imphal, according to the police source. The source said a CRPF retaliated with several rounds of fire from his AK-47 assault rifle. Eye witnesses said the other security personnel manning outside the polling booth also resorted to fire at the assailants through windows. In the incident three polling personnel including one Returning Officer, one CRPF jawan belonging to 155 battalion of F-Coy, one suspected militant and one woman voter. Another polling personnel was also wounded in the exchange of fire who later succumbed, making the toll to seven.
In some polling stations, voters were seen casting their votes till night. The poll percentage till four p.m. was 75%. In some polling stations, the voters could not cast their vote due to non functional of EVM.
The counting of votes which will decide the fate of the candidates will be started from March Six at their respective Ro’s office.
In a poll related violence six persons including a CRPF man were killed when some persons numbering about 20 fired at a polling station number 41-40 of Dampi Village under ChakpiKarong PS this afternoon around 12.45 p.m.
As the armed persons suspected to be NSCN (I/M) fired at the PS where the voters were in queue to cast their vote, the CRPF personnel of 175th battalion also retaliated the firing. The deceased CRPF man was identified as U. Tripati.
The other five victims included three polling personnel, a voter and a cadre of NSCN (I/M).One nine mm pistol having three rounds were seized from the cadre of NSCN (I/M).
In other poll related violence, some persons damaged electronic voting machine of polling stations 41/23 and 42/56. The EVM of 42/50 Netaji memorial School Moreh was damaged.
Some unknown captured the booth of polling number 45/54, Ringhui Tinggere, Chingai. The EVM of 45/19 PS tousem and 42/39 Tengnoupal were also broken. The unknown persons attempted to capture booth and damage EVM in various polling stations.
Tension also prevailed at Tadubi area as large number of voters tried to cast their vote simultaneously at PS 49/15, 49/16, Security personnel on duty fired as some persons tried to capture booth at PS no. 49/20 of Tadubi, Senapati district.The situation was brought under control.
The NSCN (I/M) cadres also damaged polling stations of Kongkhang, Laiching Meenou, Khunbi Khuou of Chandel district. In another incident NSCN (I/M) cadres kidnapped polling agents of PS 53/22 of Tamenglong.The total number of voters was 17,41,581 including 8,58,390 male voters . A total of 279 candidates including 15 women were in the fray. At Phungyar two women candidates were in the fray. Straight fight were witnessed at Kakching and Moirang.
This time the number of service voters is 8723 . Special arrangements were made to enable militants under suspension of operations (SOO) to vote in 16 designated camps hence polling were done in 2357 polling stations and 8 auxiliary polling stations in Churachandpur and Ukhrul district.
A total of 11,825 polling personnel were put in service while 19 general observers, nine police observers and 12 expenditure observers monitored the election process. A total of 2365 EVMS were used and EVMs were kept ready to be dispatched in case there is any case of machine failure.
Five helicopters were used for election purposes.
Of the total number of voters, Muslims comprise 8 per cent, Scheduled Tribes 36 per cent and Scheduled Caste less than one percent while the rest are Meitei.
The Congress party has projected 60 candidates, Trinamul 47, Manipur State Congress Party, 31, CPI 24, NCP 21, BJP 19, MPP 14, CPM 2 and Independents 60.
Chandel AC has the highest number of polling stations at 69 while Singjamei AC has the lowest number of polling stations at 23. With 52,128 voters, Mao AC has the highest number of electorate whereas Tipaimukh AC has the lowest number of voters at 17,487.

AR assists in 10th Assembly elections

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 28: Assam Rifles provided assistance to the State Government in maintaining security during polling of 10th assembly election in Manipur.
Besides providing environmental security the forces also assisted in induction of Security forces to far flung places in the state. During polling in one of the incident at Tampi in Chandel district an NSCN (IM) fired and killed four polling official and a CRPF jawan while injuring another civilian named R Anal Singh r/o Chandel Christian village . Assam Rifles mobilised its resources to evacuate the injured by helicopter to kangla for further evacuation to RIMS . The individual however could not survive the gun shot wound. In an another incident troops of 42 AR apprehended one NSCN(IM) man along with an OGW with 0ne 9mm pistol , four live rounds ,one hand grenade and one fired case. He was reportedly involved in firing at village chief in Kairang khullen on 27 Jan 12 . In yet another incident troops of 15 AR apprehended two KCP cadres from Top Chingtha along with one 9mm pistol, three live rounds, who were reportedly in location to disrupt polling.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ar-assists-in-10th-assembly-elections/

Red shield division nabs four

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 28: Troops of 6/8 Gorkha Rifles of Loktak Brigade under the aegis of Red Shield Division apprehended two over ground workers of KCP (MC) from Bishnupur District on 27 Jan 12. Individuals revealed their identities as Kuma Kohan of Khurai Ahonggei Leirak, District Imphal East and Mrs Khonthujam Geeta Devi wife of Mr Kh Hoocha Singh (37) resident of Khurai Ahonggei Lierak, District Imphal East. They were involved in extortion related activities on behalf of banned militant outfit. Individuals were handed over to Bishnupur Police Station. In an another operation troops of 39 Assam Rifles also apprehended two over ground workers of KYKL involved in intimidating voters of Sinjol area. They were identified as Sanghal Haulianmang, S/o Late Nenjzapun, r/o Bungmol and Khuptong Doukhum, s/o Nengzian, r/o New Lamka.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/red-shield-division-nabs-four/

Rise in number of tainted candidates

Lucknow , Jan 28 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Election Watch, an election analyst group, which studied affidavits of 284 candidates contesting in the first phase said that 109 candidates (38 per cent) had criminal cases against them which is a rise of ten percent since the last elections in 2007.
Members of the election watch group on Saturday said the number of candidates with muscle and money power had substantially increased in the first phase of the state polls which is going to be held on February 8 in Uttar Pradesh.
They also highlighted the fact that if a tainted candidate has been denied ticket, then his wife or brother has been given ticket to contest in the polls.
“If a person with criminal background has been denied ticket, then either his brother or wife has been given ticket. The objection to a tainted person contesting the election has been that he might intimidate voters. If he is not in a position to influence the voters, he could influence voters in his wife or brother’s favour,” said K. C. Dwivedi, a member of the Uttar Pradesh Election Watch.
The data pointed out that leading political parties of state – Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP), Congress Party and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – have given tickets to such tainted people.
“The main parties have given tickets to 38 percent people with criminal background, which is more than 10 percent from the previous elections, in the first phase of the elections,” said Anil Birwal, another member of the group.
The number of millionaire candidates has also increased. Assets of at least 51 percent candidates are more that Rupees one crore.

“If we examine the money power of these candidates. Last time 22 percent candidates were crorepati now more than 51 percent candidates are crorepati. All these parties claim to represent backward people, no party represents rich people, but when it comes to giving tickets they couldn’t find anybody who is not crorepati,” added Birwal.

Nearly 930 candidates are in the fray for the 55 constituencies going to polls in the first phase.

Voting in Uttar Pradesh would be held in seven phases for 403 assembly constituencies starting February 8 and it would conclude on March 3.

The counting of votes would take place on March 6.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rise-in-number-of-tainted-candidates/

Poll eve Bomb attacks

An old woman was killed and a 13 year old girl received injuries when some persons fired about 30 rounds at Congress Office at Namthanglong Part one under Nungba A/C last night around 7.30 p.m.
The deceased was identified as Makuchwaliu Pamei (80) and the injured was identified as Gaipurei Dangmei of Khoupum Village Khunou.
In an ambush by unknown armed persons one havildar and one rifleman of 175th battalion, CRPF were killed at Kamjong Kongkang, Phungyar A/C yesterday.
A youth was killed by a team of commando near Mega School, Yaralpat this morning around 7.55 a.m. One bomb, one nine mm Pistol were seized from the possession of the victim.
A youth received injuries in a powerful bomb blast at the toilet of Dr. Y. Bilasini of Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai this morning around 11 a.m. The injured was identified as Shijagurumayum Momocha (32) Bamon Leikai Aribam Leirak.
He was fitting the bomb when the blast took place. The injured was rushed to RIMS Hospital in a critical situation.
In another incident, six women received injuries when some persons blasted a bomb at the office of Meira Paibi of Waheng Khuman
Mayai Leikai under Nambol PS last night around 10 p.m. Theses injured were identified as Ngangom Leirikmacha (50), Ngangom Ibecha (38), Yanglem Tharongoubi (60), Kshetrimayum Tababi (40), her daughter Priyalakshmi, Ngangom Gomti (30). They were rushed to RIMS Hospital.
Meanwhile some unknown persons hurled two bomb at the house of one Khuraijam Ibobi (65) Tera Sapam Leirak this morning around 4.30 a.m. one bomb was exploded in the attack.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/poll-eve-bomb-attacks/

Eight died in poll related violence

Imphal, Jan 27: On the eve of polls to the 10th Manipur Assembly, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PC Lawmkunga said today that at least eight people had died in poll related violence in Manipur and 121 violent incidents took place since election notification was issued.
The administration seized over Rs 1 crore of unaccounted cash, which was reportedly meant for bribing voters, from different places of the State, the CEO told the media at a press conference here, adding that about 30 weapons, including country-made small arms and 770 ammunition were also seized across the State.
The Excise Department also seized 43,890 litres of both local and Indian made foreign liquors, 3,800 mg of heroin and 360 spasmo proximo capsules during the pre-poll period, Lawmkunga said.
The CEO then said two choppers—one MI-17 and another Chetak-4—are being arranged for emergency use and one station each at Imphal and Leimakhong will also be provided to the two choppers. The choppers will be used in transportation of casualties in poll related violence and EVMs, and polling personnel in and from hill districts.In tomorrow’s elections, a total of 17, 41,581 electors will decide the fate of 281 candidates, including 15 women, the CEO said.
He also said 41-Chandel Constituency has the largest number of polling stations with 49 in total and the 13-Singjamei Constituency has the least number of polling stations with only 13. Vagai Range in Churachandpur having 18 polling stations is the remotest area and that polling officers have to cross a river by boat to reach their destination, Lawmkunga added.Web-casting will be done in respect of 60 polling stations, mostly in valley district due to electricity problem, but 2357 camera has also been issued for taking photograph of voters during voting process.
Informing that according to the instruction given by Election Commission of India (ECI), all the militant cadres under Suspension of Operations (SoO) should remain confined in their respective designated camps, the CEO said 167 militants who are considered genuine voters will be exercising their votes in the general elections.
Responding to a query from reporters about Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidates being supported by NSCN-IM in the hill districts, he said he cannot officially confirm the report as yet.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/eight-died-in-poll-related-violence/