Seven file nomination papers for Outer PC
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 21 2014 :
With the last date for filing nomination papers fixed tomorrow, seven candidates have filed their nomination papers for Outer Manipur P/C till date.
They are Thangso Baite (INC), Prof Gangmumei Kamei (BJP), Kim Gangte (TMC), Mani Charenamei (Ind), C Doungel (NCP), Lien Gangte (JD-U) and Soso Lorho (NPF) .
Former MP Mani Charenamei filed his nomination paper in Outer Manipur P/C today apart from releasing a vision statement in connection with the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.
"I decided to fight the Lok Sabha election as an independent candidate on the advice of people because we believe that only an independent candidate can unite different sections of the society", said Mani Charenamei at an election rally at Church Road Colony, Senapati district headquarters.
He remarked that both Congress and NPF are political parties with their own merits.
Clarifying that he is contesting the Lok Sabha election as an independent candidate not because he did not get tickets of political parties, the former MP claimed that he believes as advised by hill leaders and public that only an independent MP can unite different sections of the society.
Recalling that he suffered defeat in the 15th Lok Sabha election when he contested the election on the ticket of certain party after he was elected as MP in the 14th Lok Sabha election of 2004 when he contested the same election as an independent candidate, Mani Charenamei said he is contesting the election as an independent candidate this time with due approval of the mass.
Claiming that he raised different major issues of the hill people in Parliament apart from working consistently to provide equal opportunities to all communities when he was the MP, Mani Charenamei said that he would again table major issues of the people in the Lok Sabha if elected for the second time.
"I may not be able to speak out people's grievances and inspirations when I contest the election on any party ticket because I may be restricted by certain interest of the party," Mani Charenamei said.
He went on to assert that he chose to fight the election as an independent candidate to highlight the Naga issue in the Parliament with no ambiguity.
It is in the hands of Naga people whether they should work for a solution to the Naga peace process or not For there is de facto cease fire in the hill districts of Manipur, people should now collectively struggle for repeal of AFSPA from the State, he added.
Saving that some people have been circulating rumours in the form of SMS that he has been kidnapped, Mani Charenamei said that such dubious activity would prove deterrent towards unification of people.
tity, the former MP appealed to support him in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election. Many leaders coming from different hill districts of Manipur maintained that there is a need to re-elect Mani Charenamei in view of his experience.
They further assened that only an independent MP can raise different issues of hill people in the Parliament in clear terms without any reservation.
Some of the salient points of Mani Charenamei's vision statement are ensuring no one, particularly tribals, are deprived of their rights and entitlements, promotion of border trade; support the mass movement for repeal of AFSPA and introduction of Inner Line Permit System.