MHA worried about interference from NSCN(IM)
Source: The Sangai Express

Guwahati, January 25, 2012: The Union home ministry is worried about the involvement of NSCN (IM) in the Manipur elections, particularly in the 11 Naga-dominated constituencies of the hill districts.

It has asked security forces to use maximum force against all outfits found involved in poll-related violence in the state.

Ahead of the assembly polls scheduled on January 28, an IED blast took place outside the residence of Manipur speaker Hemochandra Singh, the Congress candidate from Sangjemei constituency, on Sunday.

The seven Meitei outfits, which have jointly banned the Congress from doing electioneering, claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Earlier, an IED was recovered in front of the Congress headquarters in Imphal.

Security forces have killed at least four militants so far.

A top MHA official, who was here on Tuesday during the arms laying-down ceremony of nine Assam militant outfits, said, "The security scenario in Manipur is not satisfactory.

We do not know what the situation will be like in the coming days till the election on January 28.We have directed the security forces deployed in Manipur to act.

They have been asked to use maximum force as and when required".

He added, "We are receiving complaints about NSCN (IM)'s interference.

We have evidence of the outfit's direct involvement in the Manipur elections by putting up proxy candidates.

We will discuss the issue with the IM leadership.

They are still in peace talks.

If they want to take part in elections, they should have informed the government".

The NSCN (IM) has a strong presence in the four Naga-dominated districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel.

Its general secretary Th Muivah is from Ukhrul district.

The 11 Naga-dominated constituencies in the four hill districts are crucial for any party to claim power in the 60-member assembly.

These 11 constituencies have always sent only members from the Naga community to the assembly.

In the plural state, the Nagas are the second community after the dominant Meiteis.

They mostly live in the hill districts along with the Kukis.

The Meiteis are mainly concentrated in the valley areas.

Nagaland's ruling party, the Naga Peoples' Front (NPF), is making its debut in the Manipur elections and has fielded 11 Naga candidates and a Kuki nominee, which has fuelled fresh debate over Nagas' demand for territorial integrity.

While launching the election campaign, NPF chief and Nagaland chief minister Neiphir Rio told an election rally in Tadubi that the NPF's entry into Manipur politics is aimed at "integrating the Nagas politically".

Rio's statements have forced Manipur People's Party (MPP) leader O Joy to caution the Nagaland chief minister against dragging territorial integrity of Manipur into the ongoing peace talks between the Centre and the Nagas.Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who is leading the Congress to win for the third straight term, has also made it clear that he favours a Naga solution without breaking Manipur's integrity.

He said the Congress will pressurize the Centre for a constitutional safeguard to Manipur's boundary.

The NSCN's Khole-Kitovi faction has announced to stay away from the poll process in Manipur.

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