ADC by-poll a litmus test for UNC
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, October 21 2011: For the beleaguered United Naga Council (UNC), the by-poll to the controversial Autonomous District Council (ADC) is turning out to be a litmus test with the Okram Ibobi Singh government all set for the electoral battle in the two Naga hill districts.

In the past few days the UNC toured the poll-bound Naga areas and held interactions with the electorates of Phaibung Khullen in Senapati and Chingai in Ukhrul which will go to hustings on October 24.The UNC-led Naga organizations held political camps recently at Chingai "to sensitize the public on Naga's decision" - a day after it organized a consultation with the electorates in Phaibung Khullen constituency.

"There was a rift in public opinion on the issue of ADC election.

The electorates in Chingai and Phaibung constituency have voiced differing opinions on the forthcoming polls," the UNC told this reporter.

In both the UNC-initiated political meetings, the representatives of the touring Naga organisations engaged in open discussion and sought opinions of the public from the two constituencies.

After a daylong consultation with the public in both the meetings, the apex Naga body however said it had asked the electorates "not to cast vote in the ensuing ADC by-polls." The UNC has reiterated that it had declared "the Manipur (Hills) Autonomous District Council Act, (2008) as null and void." The Naga body confidently stated that the public has verbally consented with their directive.

The UNC-led organizations comprise Naga People's Organisation, Poumai Naga Union, and Tangkhul frontal bodies including TNL, TSL, TMNL, and TKS.

On reports of possible heavy security cover in all the polling stations, the UNC iterated, "The Naga public will decide whether they are for Okram Ibobi Singh government or the UNC.

Let us see who will win" .

Meanwhile, the election campaign has reportedly on in full swing in the two constituencies.

"The campaign is almost over in Chingai constituency and the response has been quite positive from the voters," said a close aide to INC candidate Wilson Shatsang.

Two Congress and independent candidates each are in fray for the Phaibung Khullen and Chingai seat.

In last year's ADC poll, only 10 seats including eight in Senapati and two in Ukhrul were countermanded despite the strong boycott call by the Naga organisations.

This time, eight seats have already been declared elected unopposed on October 3 .

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