Ban on Congress in Manipur district continues

IMPHAL: Two tribal bodies continued to ban activities of Congress in Saikul sub-division in Manipur's Senapati district literally giving a huge setback to the state's ruling party.

Owing to the ban, Congress, which has fielded its candidates and sitting MPs in Outer and Inner Manipur constituencies, is yet to roll out its campaign in Saikul predominantly inhabited by Kukis and Nagas, a local source said adding that other contesting parties have advanced canvassing in fast pace. Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai (KISG) and Saikul Area Naga People's Organization (SANPO) have been demanding that the government should cancel the home department's order passed in 2011 covering Saikul areas under the jurisdiction of valley police stations. The government cannot adopt any such decision on the demand as the mode code of conduct (MCC) is currently being enforced.

Referring to the issue, a Congress leader said the matter is being discussed seriously by the state government to readjust the police jurisdictions to ensure that the demands of the two parties are taken into consideration.

"Since the MCC has been enforced, the government cannot pass any black and white order on the issue," he added. Over 120 villages of Saikul sub-division or Saikul assembly segment are included in some Imphal East police stations, the two bodies maintained, while arguing that the government orders were issued without the knowledge or consent of the villagers concerned.