Date:17/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/17/stories/2007021702091500.htm

National

Manmohan visiting Manipur on Sunday

Iboyaima Laithangbam

IMPHAL: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is arriving here on Sunday for electioneering. He will first address a public meeting in Tamenglong district. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, MPCC president Gaikhangam and other senior Ministers will accompany him to the hill district.

Union Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes and Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shanker Aiyar arrived here on Friday and addressed a meeting at Moreh, the border town in Chandel district.

On Thursday, Mr. Ibobi and other senior Ministers inspected the mini stadium in Tamenglong district where Dr. Singh will address the meeting. When the Chief Minister was in town, tribal women took out a procession from Tupul to Noney carrying placards with slogans such as ``we want election, we want peace.'' They held a public meeting and submitted a memorandum to the Collector seeking steps to ensure that elections in the district are free and fair. The meeting criticised the actions of the United Naga Council, sponsoring 11 independent Naga candidates in Naga-dominated areas. Other candidates are not allowed to campaign or hoist flags there. Under the circumstances, the chances of other candidates getting elected are bleak.