Assam calm, others tense

While the election campaign in Assam got into a musical mode with noted musician Bhupen Hazarika becoming the star BJP candidate in the stat...

While the election campaign in Assam got into a musical mode with noted musician Bhupen Hazarika becoming the star BJP candidate in the state, Manipur is heading for polls on Tuesday amid tight security following a near-total ban on campaigning by different militant groups.

In Assam, this is for the first time since 1998 that the impact of militancy has been the lowest during election time. This time the ULFA is keeping away from the elections after it suffered badly in the Bhutan operations in December.

In Manipur, the situation has been the worst in recent years, with different underground groups opposing the elections and issuing threats to parties and candidates. The worst victim has been the BJP with state chief and former union minister T. Chaoba Singh receiving threats of life from the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kana Lup. The Revolutionary People’s Front has imposed a ban on the Congress.

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In Nagaland, the NSCN(I-M) has declared BJP as unfriendly to the Nagas for some ‘‘offensive’’ remarks on the ongoing peace talks. Though the BJP is not directly contesting the lone Lok Sabha seat from Nagaland, it is supporting Naga People’s Front (NPF).

In Meghalaya, security has been tightened in both Khasi and Garo Hills, with five candidates in the fray. Twelve companies of the CRPF, including five additional paramilitary forces, have been deployed to assist the state police. Security is tighter in Garo due to a greater threat perception from militants.

Day after PM Modi’s visit to the town, Manipur’s Churachandpur sees violent protest

India6 hr ago

Protests in Manipur's Churachandpur turned violent as two men were arrested for damaging decorations for PM Modi's visit. The crowd demanded their release and attempted to storm the police station. The men were eventually released after a bail hearing. The incident occurred after a clash between locals and police on Thursday, but the situation had calmed down before Saturday's visit.

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