asd
Home Blog Page 135

Tribal Body Urges Kuki Community Arms Holders in Manipur Against Weapon Submission


1. ITLF criticizes the Manipur government’s directive for Kuki community arms submission before Lok Sabha polls.
2. ITLF raises concerns over the suitability of weapon submission amid ongoing uncertainty.
3. Urges Kuki-Zo people not to comply with the administration’s directives regarding arms surrender.


Imphal, March 26: The Indigenous Tribal Leader’s Forum (ITLF) in Manipur has strongly criticized the state government’s directive for arms holders of the Kuki community to submit their weapons ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Expressing concerns over the government’s decision, the ITLF argues that given the current circumstances of uncertainty, the order for weapon submission may not be appropriate.

The forum believes that such a move could exacerbate tensions and feelings of insecurity among the Kuki-Zo people.

Highlighting the significance of self-defense, the ITLF emphasizes that the Kuki-Zo community relies on their weapons to safeguard their fundamental right to life and protect their land.

The forum raises alarm over the government’s failure to return licensed guns that were previously submitted in 2023, further deepening distrust in the administration.


Also Read: Odisha’s Crucial Lok Sabha Seats: Spotlight on Puri to Koraput in 2024 Polls

In response to the government’s directive, the ITLF calls upon every member of the Kuki-Zo community, including men, women, and village volunteers, to refrain from complying with the order.

The forum urges the community to stand united against what they perceive as unjust actions by the authorities.

The ITLF’s stance underscores the deep-seated apprehensions and grievances within the Kuki-Zo community regarding the state government’s handling of security matters.

The forum’s opposition to the weapon submission directive reflects broader concerns about the protection of community rights and the preservation of individual freedoms in Manipur.

As tensions escalate between the government and the Kuki-Zo community, the situation remains tense and fraught with uncertainty.

The ITLF’s call for defiance against the administration’s directives highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities in asserting their rights and resisting perceived injustices perpetrated by state authorities.

In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha polls, the standoff between the ITLF and the government underscores the complex interplay of politics, security, and identity in Manipur.

As the state grapples with various socio-political issues, including ethnic tensions and governance issues, finding a resolution to the current impasse remains a daunting task.

Odisha’s Crucial Lok Sabha Seats: Spotlight on Puri to Koraput in 2024 Polls


1. Odisha is preparing for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in four phases, with vote counting on June 4.
2. With 21 Lok Sabha seats, the state holds significant importance in India’s electoral dynamics.
3. Political parties engage in intense competition for representation in Odisha’s parliamentary constituencies.


Bhubaneswar, March 26: Odisha is gearing up for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in four phases, with the counting of votes set for June 4.

With 21 Lok Sabha seats, the state plays a crucial role in the electoral landscape of India, witnessing fierce competition among political parties.

Phases of Election

  • Phase 1: Polling for 28 Assembly seats and 4 Lok Sabha constituencies will occur on May 13.
  • Phase 2: On May 20, voting will take place for 35 Assembly seats and 5 Lok Sabha constituencies.
  • Phase 3: May 25 will see voting for 42 Assembly segments and 6 Lok Sabha seats.
  • Phase 4: The remaining 42 Assembly seats and 6 Lok Sabha constituencies will undergo voting on June 1.

Previous Election Scenario

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) emerged victorious on 12 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 8 seats, and the Congress managed to win one seat. Discussions for a pre-poll alliance between BJP and BJD did not materialize, leading to each party contesting independently.


Also Read: Agatha Sangma, representing the NPP, submits nomination for Meghalaya’s 2-Tura Lok Sabha seat

Major Lok Sabha Seats to Watch

Puri

  • Current Situation: BJD stronghold represented by Pinaki Misra since 2009.
  • Contestants: BJP’s Sambit Patra, awaiting candidates from BJD and Congress.

Sambalpur

  • Current Situation: Witnessed a close fight between BJP and BJD in 2019.
  • Contestants: BJP’s Dharmendra Pradhan against rivals from BJD and Congress.

Kendrapara

  • Current Situation: Formerly a BJD stronghold, won by BJP’s Baijayant Panda in 2014, regained by BJD in 2019.
  • Contestants: Baijayant Panda representing BJP, competitors from BJD yet to be declared.

Koraput

  • Current Situation: Historically held by Congress, won by BJD in 2014 and 2019.
  • Contestants: BJP’s Kaliram Majhi competes with candidates from BJD and Congress.

As the election season unfolds, Odisha braces for intense campaigning and electoral battles in key constituencies.

With each major party vying for supremacy, the outcomes in Puri, Sambalpur, Kendrapara, and Koraput will be closely watched, shaping the political landscape of the state.

Agatha Sangma, representing the NPP, submits nomination for Meghalaya’s 2-Tura Lok Sabha seat


1. Agatha Sangma, representing NPP, files nomination for Meghalaya’s 2-Tura Lok Sabha seat.
2. Conrad Sangma expresses confidence in Agatha’s leadership via Twitter.
3. Agatha Sangma poised to continue late father’s legacy in serving the people of Meghalaya.


Tura, March 26: National People’s Party (NPP) candidate Agatha Sangma has made a significant move by officially submitting her nomination for the 2-Tura Lok Sabha constituency in Meghalaya.

In a tweet shared by Conrad Sangma, he expressed confidence in Agatha’s leadership, believing that she will carry forward the legacy of their father, the late Purno Agitok Sangma, in advocating for the people’s interests.


Also Read: BJP Announces Th Basanta Singh as Candidate for Inner Lok Sabha Seat in Manipur

Conrad Sangma, also Meghalaya’s Chief Minister and NPP president, welcomed the BJP’s decision to support NPP candidates for both Lok Sabha seats in the state.

He emphasized the collaboration of NDA partners in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur for the parliamentary polls.

The BJP’s announcement of supporting NPP candidates in both Shillong and Tura Lok Sabha seats was made two days ago.

Conrad Sangma further stated that Ampareen Lyngdoh, the NPP candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha seat, has garnered support from the Opposition TMC in Nongthymmai block and several other assembly segments where TMC leaders are backing the NPP.

Expressing gratitude for the support extended by various political parties, Sangma highlighted the growing alliance between NPP and BJP, with additional backing from TMC in certain constituencies.

He emphasized the collaborative efforts aimed at securing victory in the upcoming elections.

BJP Announces Th Basanta Singh as Candidate for Inner Lok Sabha Seat in Manipur


1. BJP officially declares Th Basanta Singh as its candidate for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency.
2. Th Basanta Singh, a former IPS officer and son of former Union Minister Th Chaoba, was chosen after deliberations.
3. Selection comes after thorough discussions among central leaders of the BJP.


Imphal, March 26: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially announced its candidate for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha Election.

After extensive deliberations among central leaders of the BJP, Th Basanta Singh, a former IPS officer and the son of former Union Minister Th Chaoba, has been selected as the party’s nominee for the Inner Manipur seat.

This decision follows a period of intense discussions and assessments within the party ranks to identify the most suitable candidate to represent the BJP in the crucial constituency.

Previously, Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects in the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat, emphasizing the party’s significant impact on the northeastern region.


Also Read: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Officially Nominates for Dibrugarh LS Constituency in Assam

He underscored the BJP’s commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Manipur, asserting that the party would secure a substantial victory in the upcoming election.

Moreover, Singh highlighted the evolving criteria for political leadership, emphasizing the importance of candidates who prioritize the interests of the community and the region over traditional qualifications and rhetoric.

With Th Basanta Singh’s nomination, the BJP aims to consolidate its support base and present a strong contender for the Inner Manipur constituency, as the party gears up for the electoral battle ahead.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Officially Nominates for Dibrugarh LS Constituency in Assam


1. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal files nomination for Dibrugarh LS constituency in Assam.
2. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and other party leaders accompany Sonowal during the filing.
3. Sonowal’s nomination marks the formal beginning of his electoral campaign in the region.


Guwahati, March 26: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has formally initiated his electoral campaign by submitting his nomination papers for the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency in Assam.

Accompanied by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Presidents of BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), Sonowal filed his nomination today in Dibrugarh.

Simultaneously, Lurinjyoti Gogoi from the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) also lodged his nomination papers for the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency. Gogoi is receiving support from alliance parties as he solidifies his candidacy for the upcoming elections.

The electoral process in Assam is meticulously structured to ensure fairness and transparency. It will unfold in three phases, with the initial phase scheduled for April 19.


Also Read: Baltimore Bridge Collapses Following Ship Collision, Potential ‘Mass Casualties’ Concerns

The official election notification is expected to be released on March 20, while the deadline for filing nominations is set for March 27.

Scrutiny of nominations will commence on March 28, with the withdrawal deadline on March 30.

Moving to the second phase on April 26, the notification date remains March 28. Nomination papers must be filed by April 4, followed by scrutiny on April 5 and the withdrawal deadline on April 8.

The third and final phase of the Assam elections will take place on May 7, with the notification date set for April 12.

Nomination papers for this phase must be filed by April 19, with scrutiny on April 20 and the withdrawal deadline on April 22.

Baltimore Bridge Collapses Following Ship Collision, Potential ‘Mass Casualties’ Concerns


1. Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses after an alleged collision with a container ship.
2. Baltimore City Fire Department terms it a ‘mass-casualty incident’.
3. Several vehicles reportedly fell into the river; rescue efforts are underway.


Francis Scott Key, March 26: In the early hours of Tuesday, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, United States, suffered a catastrophic collapse allegedly caused by a collision with a large container ship, occurring around 1:30 am local time.

Described by the Baltimore City Fire Department as a ‘mass-casualty incident’, reports indicate that numerous vehicles plummeted into the river below as a result of the collapse.

Rescue teams immediately initiated search operations for approximately seven individuals believed to be in the water.

Footage of the collapse circulated widely, showcasing the dramatic moment of the bridge’s destruction. The vessel, believed to be a large container ship, collided with one of the bridge’s supports, causing significant structural damage and leading to sections of the roadway collapsing into the water.

Additionally, the ship caught fire and eventually sank.

According to Fox Baltimore, the Key Bridge, spanning approximately 3 kilometers (1.6 miles) in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed into the water following the collision with the cargo ship.

Ship tracking data provided by LSEG revealed the presence of the Singapore-flagged container ship, identified as the Dali, in the vicinity of the Key Bridge at the time of the accident.


Also Read: Kiren Rijiju Nominates as BJP Candidate for Arunachal West Parliamentary Seat

The Dali is owned by Grace Ocean Pte Ltd and managed by Synergy Marine Group, which acknowledged the collision with a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

While the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation, the ship’s management confirmed the activation of its Qualified Individual Incident response service.

Fortunately, all crew members, including the two pilots onboard, have been safely located, and there have been no reports of injuries.

In response to the incident, local authorities closed all lanes in both directions, affecting traffic in the area.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, inaugurated in 1977, serves as a crucial transportation route spanning the Patapsco River, which, along with the Port of Baltimore, plays a significant role in shipping activities along the East Coast.

The bridge is named after the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Kiren Rijiju Nominates as BJP Candidate for Arunachal West Parliamentary Seat


1. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has filed his nomination papers for the Arunachal West Parliamentary seat.
2. Home Minister Bamang Felix and Agriculture Minister Tage Taki also submitted their nominations.
3. The filing ceremony took place in Aalo, with Rijiju highlighting his developmental work in Arunachal Pradesh.


Itanagar, March 26: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has filed his nomination papers as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Arunachal West Parliamentary constituency.

Home Minister Bamang Felix and Tage Taki, the Horticulture and Agriculture minister, also submitted their nominations.

The nomination filing took place in Aalo, where Rijiju highlighted his accomplishments during his tenure and pledged to continue working for the welfare of Arunachal Pradesh. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and other local BJP MLA candidates.

Rijiju, who has previously served as the Union Minister of Law and Justice and currently holds the portfolio of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, emphasized his commitment to development in Arunachal Pradesh. He has been instrumental in bringing various developmental projects to the region, focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and connectivity.


Also Read: Manipur’s Kuki Community to Boycott Upcoming Lok Sabha Elections

During the event, Rijiju assured the gathering of his dedication to addressing the needs and concerns of the people. He promised to prioritize the welfare and progress of Arunachal Pradesh if re-elected, aiming to bring further prosperity to the region.

Rijiju’s decision to contest from Arunachal West has attracted attention, with many considering him a strong contender for the seat. His proven track record and experience in politics are expected to garner significant support from both party members and voters.

With the filing of his nomination, Rijiju has officially launched his campaign for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

As the electoral competition intensifies in Arunachal Pradesh, all eyes will be on Rijiju and his opponents as they compete for the opportunity to represent the state on the national stage.

Manipur’s Kuki Community to Boycott Upcoming Lok Sabha Elections


1. The Young Kuki, representing youths and volunteers in Outer Manipur, boycotts the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
2. Kuki Mothers, another tribal segment, also abstain from participating in the elections.
3. The decision follows consensus by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum’s Presidential Council.


Imphal, March 26: The Young Kuki, representing Kuki youths and volunteers in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha Constituency, has declared a boycott of the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha Elections in 2024.

Additionally, Kuki Mothers, another segment of the tribal body, has also decided to refrain from participating in the elections.

This resolution follows the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) Presidential Council’s consensus, reached after discussions with its constituent member tribes, that no individuals from the Kuki-Zo community should file nominations for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024.


Also Read: Amid Heavy Thunderstorm, Lightning Strike Claims Livestock in Jorhat, Assam, House Engulfed in Flames

The decision stems from the prevailing challenges confronting the community.

However, the council advocates for community members to exercise their democratic right to vote in the election while abstaining from contesting for the Outer Manipur Member of Parliament seat.

The press release states, “ITLF Presidential Council, in consultation with its constituent member tribes, has concurred that no member from the Kuki-Zo community should file nominations for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election, considering the challenges we currently face.”

The Young Kuki faction’s decision to boycott the elections follows their assertion of unaddressed grievances and injustices faced by the Kuki tribes, particularly after the violent incidents on May 3rd, 2023.

“The Kuki tribes continue to endure violence, oppression, and neglect from state authorities. The issues driving this decision include persistent violence and impunity, devastation and displacement of over 41,425 individuals, unchecked weapons violence, insufficient aid for displaced Kukis, unredressed crimes against Kuki women, and defamation by state officials. The Youth Kuki faction is urging the Government of India to address these issues. The boycott serves as a plea for attention to the community’s plight. The Youth Kuki faction remains committed to constructive dialogue and urges the Government of India to engage in meaningful discussions to resolve these concerns,” stated the Young Kuki faction in their press note.

Amid Heavy Thunderstorm, Lightning Strike Claims Livestock in Jorhat, Assam, House Engulfed in Flames


1. Lightning strike amidst thunderstorms devastates Jorhat, Assam.
2. Bhadra Bora’s house was engulfed in flames after a lightning strike.
3. Livestock lost, house gutted in the sudden blaze.


Guwahati, March 26: Amid heavy thunderstorms and rain in Jorhat, Assam, a sudden lightning strike caused widespread devastation, including the loss of livestock and the gutting of a house.

The lightning strike, occurring at an alarming speed, particularly targeted the residence of Bhadra Bora, resulting in an instant blaze that engulfed the property.

The fierce storm exacerbated the situation, intensifying the severity of the damage caused. Tragically, innocent livestock perished in the raging inferno.


Also Read: Citizen Action Party Unveils Final Roster for Sikkim Assembly Elections

The immediate aftermath of the lightning strike led to a fire outbreak within the household, causing irreparable harm and destruction.

The incident occurred in Sonari Village 2, located in West Jorhat, disrupting the once-serene ambience of the area and leaving behind a scene of desolation and despair.

The affected community now faces the daunting task of coming to terms with the magnitude of the losses suffered in this tragic event.

Citizen Action Party Unveils Final Roster for Sikkim Assembly Elections


1. The Citizen Action Party (CAP) in Sikkim reveals its final list of 13 candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls.
2. Opting to contest independently, CAP will vie for the 32 assembly seats and one Lok Sabha constituency in Sikkim.
3. CAP previously announced its candidates in two phases, with the final roster released on March 24.


Gangtok, March 26: The Citizen Action Party (CAP) in Sikkim has unveiled its final roster of candidates for the impending Assembly elections, presenting a lineup of 13 contenders.

With Sikkim housing 32 assembly seats and one Lok Sabha constituency, CAP has decided to contest the elections independently, without forming any alliances.

The comprehensive list includes candidates like Gamesh Kumar Rai for the Melli constituency, Pujan Kharka (Chettri) for Gyalshing Barynak, and Prakash Parajuli (Sharma) for Maneybung Dentam.


Also Read: ‘Ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon!’: BJP intensifies criticism over Congress spokesperson’s post on Kangana Ranaut

Other notable candidates are Dawa Ongi Lepcha for Rinchenpong – BL, Sonam Dadul Lepcha for Barfun – BL, and Sanju Rai for Poklok Kamrang.

Furthermore, Bikash Sharma is set to represent Temi-Naphing, Anil Kumar Nepal for Rangan Yangang, and Pema Gyalpo Bhutia for Tumin Lingee – BL. Completing the lineup are Madan Kumar Shiva Shankar for West Pendam – SC, Ganesh Kumar Rai for Chujachen, Sonam Tshering Pelcha for Syari – BL, and Karma Tchering Bhutia for Martam Rumtek – BL.

CAP had initially disclosed the names of candidates in two phases, unveiling the first list on March 22 and the second list on March 24, which also included a candidate for the Lok Sabha constituency.

- Advertisement -