Know Your MP Candidate debate
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 04 2019: A debate session for the candidates who are contesting the coming Lok Sabha election, 'Know Your MP Candidate', was held at Hotel Imphal today under the aegis of Editors Guild Manipur (EGM).

Speaking to media persons, former president of EGM A Mobi said that the event was organised with the aim of simplifying and making it easier for the people to choose the right candidate.

Today's session was aimed at Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency candidates while the session for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency candidates will be held on April 8 .

EGM president and The Sangai Express Manipuri editor Khogendra Khomdram, All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) president and ISTV News chief editor Brozendra Ningomba and Manipur Hills Journalists Union president and Dih Cham editor Ramkung Pamei were the panellists and Impact TV News editor Raj Nongthombam was the moderator of the session which was attended by representatives of various CSOs, intellectuals, senior citizens, film personalities and journalists.

Know Your MP Candidate debate

Out of the 8 candidates who will contest the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency election, 5 candidates, namely Ashang Kasar of NEIDP, Hangkhanpau Taithul of JD-U, James Kashung of INC, Dr Lorho S Pfoze of NPF and Benjamin Mate of BJP came to participate in the session.

Explaining a bit about his early life INC's candidate James Kashung said that Manipur is a small State but there is a large gap between the vast tract of land in the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency and the number of people.

As such, it is imperative to analyse and deduce how to solve the problems and lack of facilities etc faced by the people in these areas, he added.

He continued that 8 segments of Manipur Legislative Assembly are included in Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency in the past due to low number of people and even today, people from these 8 segments cannot contest the election even though the people can still cast their votes.

He then claimed that if he is elected as an MP, he will listen to the demands of the people and attempt to tend to them to the best of his capacity.

On the other hand, NEIDP's candidate Ashang Kasar said that the people of the State are well aware of which political parties have already formed Governments in the State.

He then explained that he decided to join NEIDP and contest the election to bring forth the sense of regionalism and to protect the people of the State from being brainwashed by the National political parties.

He continued that he will work hard to bridge the gap between the hills and the valley of Manipur and added that NEIDP will work for bringing concrete solutions to the border issue, the CAB issue and AFSPA.

JDU candidate Hangkhanpau Taithul said that if he is elected as an MP by the people, he will work for bringing united development for the hills and the valley.

He also assured to strive for bringing development with justice in the State, stand against CAB, AFSPA and seek assent for Manipur People's Bill 2018.Over and above, he also assured to review the damages caused by the Loktak Hydro-Electric Power Project.

NPF candidate Dr Lorho S Pfoze said that the public might view NPF as a political party which works only for the Naga people but clarified that the party works with integrity and dedication for the welfare of the people.

Only when people respect each other and their sentiments, will there be peace and prosperity, he added.

He then promised to bring an end to the border issue if he is elected as an MP.

NPF will stand against the CAB and work to get AFSPA repealed.

The party will also stand for the indigenous people, he added.

BJP candidate Benjamin Mate also spoke about his early life and his works during the session.

On the other hand, replying to a query during the common question round, Hangkhanpau said that it will be best for the State Government to minutely analyse and take a concrete decision when it comes to the inclusion of the Meiteis in the ST list.

Replying to the same question, Ashang Kasar said that now is not the right time for a definite answer to the said issue and added that it is imperative to analyse the manifestoes of the political parties.

Even among the Meitei community, there are conflicting stand on the said demand, he explained, adding that the issue requires a joint discussion of all the stakeholders.

Keeping aside the issue of supporting or opposing the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list, it is the responsibility of the State Government to take the final decision.

Even then, the Government's decision cannot be regarded as the end all solution as the issue needs to be discussed at the Central Government level as well, Benjamin Mate said.

On the other hand, concerning a question regarding their stand on tribal rights, most of the candidates stated that they will work for safeguarding the rights of the tribals.