IMPHAL, Apr 23: Inspite of the ongoing controversy surrounding conduct of District council polls in the hill districts, the State Election Commission is all set to issue notification for the first phase polling on April 26 followed by a si-milar notification on May 3 for the second phase.
Chief Minister O Ibobi, while striking a tough pose, yesterday had announced that the ADC polls would be held as announced and that the poll process would be set in motion soon.
The stand of the Chief Minister comes in the face of the stiff opposition from some hill based organisations, particularlty the United Naga Council and the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur.
The Kuki Students' Organisation, General Head- quarters had also called for a wider consultation on the proposed election to be held under the 3rd Amendment Act of the ADC, 2008.
An informed source said the with the State Cabinet approving a new schedule for election to the six District Councils during a meeting held last night, the State Election Commission too have been sounded to issue a formal notification to revive the long-delayed functions of the Councils.
The first phase polling would cover the districts of Chandel, Churachandpur and Sadar Hills with Ukhrul, Tamenglong and senapati going through the democratic process in the second phase.
It is informed that nearly seven lakh voters would exercise their franchise rights in 1020 polling stations to elect 144 Council members.
It is pertinent to mention that Ministry of Home Affairs had intimated to the State Government that the former would bear all security-related expenses to be incurred in the District Council elections.
Meanwhile, over 100 vehicles which were stranded beyond Mao Gate due to imposition of blockade by organisations demanding amendment of the District Council Act, have been brought back to Imphal under strong security escort tonight. Police sources said some suspected blockade supporters stoned the vehicle convoy at near mao and Tadubi section of the National Highway 39. Among the vehicles, there are 40 loaded trucks, 44 oil tankers, six bullets tankers (LPG carriers), nine 407 (mini) trucks and four passenger buses. police authorities have reportedly instructed Mao police to register case against the blockade sponsors as well as supporters/enforcers.(TSE)
Abducted
IMPHAL, Apr 23: Unidentified gunmen have reportedly abducted a youth who had participated at a recently held Army recruitment rally and was awaiting conduct of medical test.
The youth identified as Neklalsiam Vaiphei (20) s/o (L) Lianpou of Phovaibi village under Saikul sub- division of Senapati district is said to have been whisked away at gunpoint from New Checkon Bazar area at around 3.30 pm yesterday.
Neklalsiam was staying at a relative's place in New Lambulane Lane III, said volunteers of Vaiphei Students' Association, whose president Haominthang Vaiphei also spoke to newspersons about the incident at Manipur Press Club today.
Haominthang said some 4/5 unidentified persons wearing civil clothes took away Neklalsiam in a white colour hard-top Maruti Gypsy having no registration number plate.
The vehicle had tinted glass shield, he recounted while conveying that after taking part at the Army recruitment rally conducted some days back at Bishnupur district headquarters the youngster was staying at his aunt's place waiting for the medical test.
Confiding that as far as knowledge of functionaries or members of the student body is concerned Neklalsiam has no connection with any armed group, Haominthang fervently appealed to both UGs and security forces (if involved in the abduction/arrest of Neklalsiam) to clarify the reason. further informing that a report has already been filed with regard to the incident at Porompat police station, the student activist expressed concerned that there is no information about the youth's whereabouts.
meanwhile, a joint release of Kuki Students Organisation (Imphal Branch), Vaiphei Students' Association (Imphal Block), Tribal Youth Club (New Lambulane), Young Vaiphei Association (Imphal Block) and Vaiphei Chiefs' association (Eastern Block) fervently appealed to all concerned to release Neklalsiam without any harm at the earliest. These organisations also pledged unstinted support to any movement for securing release of the 20 year old youth.(TSE)
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