Charenamei moots four LS seats
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 26 2014:
Saying that denial of rights to the people of seven Assembly segments of Thoubal district to contest Lok Sabha election even though they are allowed to cast votes has rendered the democratic exercise of election incomplete in Outer Manipur P/C, independent candidate Mani Charenamei has pledged to work towards increasing the Lok Sabha seats of Manipur from two to four.
Speaking at a flag hoisting function held at his residence at Fairyland, Stadium Road today, Charenamei said that allowing more than two lakh people of Thoubal district cast their votes without giving them the right to contest Lok Sabha election is against the principle of democracy.
He said that, if elected to power, he would urge the delimitation commission as well as the Parliament to increase the Lok Sabha seats of Manipur to four, two in Outer and two in Inner, so that people of the seven Assembly segments of Thoubal district can contest Lok Sabha elections.
He said that this arrangement would go a long way in establishing communal harmony in the State.
The flag hoisting ceremony was attended by many leaders coming from different hill districts and Charenamei's election manifesto was also released on the occasion.
He also advocated enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur so that indigenous communities can protect their unique identities and cultures.
Saying that the system is needed all the more in view of the Look East Policy which would multiply the number of immigrants, Charenamei pledged to urge relevant authority to enforce ILPS in the State in case he gets elected.
Due efforts would be put in to set up a mini railway network in order to facilitate easy and convenient movement between district head-quarters.
The Naga peace talk would be raised in the Parliament so as to bring a solution to the protracted issue.
Expressing keen desire to improvise education system and establish a new university in the hill districts of Manipur, Charenamei stated that he would work with full conviction for bringing quality education and maintaining ecological balance.
He said that he would contest the Lok Sabha election as an independent candidate in order to raise the issue of AFSPA and people's grievance against the Act in Parliament in full detail.
He went on to assert that MPs belonging to any political party would not be able to work in the interest of Manipur as their priorities are dictated by their own parties.