Manipur Elections: Issues that matter

Elections were held in the state on January 28. The ruling Congress party led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh is looking to make it third time lucky. The main opposition to the Congress is the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Janata Dal (United) in forging a pre-poll alliance.

The main emotive issue for the state is the repeal of AFSPA - Armed Forces Special Powers Act. AFSPA confers special powers on the armed forces in the Northeast region.

There is widespread anger and huge demand for parties to get the Centre to repeal AFSPA. In this regard, Manipuri activist Irom Sharmila has been on a fast for over 11 years.

Bandhs and blockades are another issue in the state. Fights between tribal groups - the Nagas and the Kukis - created a 93-day blockade on two national highways in Manipur. This is a sensitive issue which the state government has not been able to resolve.

The Kukis demand the creation of Sadar Hills - a Kuki-demanded area. Naga groups however oppose it. S. Milan of the United Naga Council (UNC) stated that the Government should have consulted the Nagas before taking a stand on the SADAR Hills which he claims is the ancestral home of the Nagas.

Locals allege the frequent bandhs have crippled industry and led to massive unemployment within the state. Locals allege corruption is also rife with petrol, for instance, being sold on the black market during the bandh.

Congress is facing a stiff competition from the other parties in the state. The Trinamool Congress has fielded its 48 candidates and Nagaland People's Front is contesting all Naga dominated seats. Chief Ministers Mamata Bannerjee and Nephurio Rio have also campaigned extensively across the state against the Congress.

Who comes to power may depend largely on the 10 odd Naga dominated seats in the state. This time a new party called Nagaland People's Front has fielded candidates in all Nagaland dominated areas. The Congress and other parties are vying for the Naga vote.

Congress has been banned from contesting elections by seven underground outfits. Politicians have been targeted and people have been warned not to vote for the party. This has resulted in extremely muted campaign for the Congress