Gaikhangam throws gauntlet to NSCN (IM), UNC
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 29 2015 : Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam on Wednesday challenged the diktat by NSCN (IM) and United Naga Council (UNC) against all aspiring Congress candidates for the ensuing Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections and pledged that the State Government will counter any subversive attempt by the outfit and the Naga body to disrupt the election process.

The Deputy CM made the vituperative statement against NSCN (IM) and UNC following reports that these two groups have imposed a ban on all Congress party aspiring candidates from contesting the forthcoming ADC elections.

Gaikhangam was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a function at Imphal Hotel, during which he released a souvenir in connection with the completion of five years in office by ADC, Chandel.

All six ADCs in the five hill districts of the State will go to poll on June 1 .

Gaikhangam during the Souvenir release function

Gaikhangam, who is also the Home Minister, rued that the NSCN (IM) has banned Congress candidates from contesting elections for many years.

He, however, said that he had trust in the people whose love for Congress made the party to win elections on many occasions.

The Deputy CM dubbed the act of threatening Congress candidates by NSCN (IM) 'crude' .

"We've received reports of NSCN (IM) issuing diktat to all Congress aspiring candidates and former ADC members in Naga dominated areas of Ukhrul and Senapati districts, threatening them not to contest the ADC elections on Congress tickets," he said.

"The Government is all prepared to counter any subversive attempt by any group to disrupt the ADC elections," Gaikhangam said.

He was hopeful that INC would win all 144 seats of the six ADCs if the polling is held in a free and fair manner.

ADC, Chandel member Lhukhosai Zou and Tengnoupal constituency MLA D Korungthang were also present during the function.

Gaikhangam concerned over future global 'economic war' .

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam on Wednesday stated that there is a need to promote the tourism industry including that of health and education to enable Manipur to cope with the future global "economic war" .

"India is lagging behind western countries in many areas.

Activities, especially in health sector, of all private hospitals like Shija Hospitals and Research Centre in Manipur are really commendable," said the Deputy Chief Minister who was taking part as chief guest on the occasion of launching of a 'Subsidized Section" of Shija Eye Care Foundation.

He stated that improving and promoting the tourism sector of the State including that of health and education is a much-needed task to help Manipur cope with the future global economic war.

Acknowledging Manipur as a gateway of South East Asia region, Gaikhangam recalled the Puya (ancient Meetei sacred scripture) prophesy "Nongpok Thong Hangani," meaning the east gateway shall open up.

"Manipur will become one of the most important places in the region with the dawn of "Act East Policy," also known as Look East Policy.

He stressed the need for developing the State in every field including the education and health sector before the coming of Act East Policy.

The Deputy CM also said the development of the Asian Highway is progressing in full swing and called on the people to explore opportunities and work harder to take part in the global competition.

Shija hospitals managing director Dr Kh Palin and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam attended the event as president and guest of honour.