Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 04 2010:
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has claimed that the ADC elections held successfully amidst bandhs, blockades and other odds and disturbances was a major achievement of the Government.
However, there has been no response till date even though the State Government has invited ANSAM to hold talks over the prolonged economic blockade two weeks back.
Speaking to media persons this afternoon, Ibobi said that the Government's initiative to hold ADC elections after a gap of more than 20 years was opposed by some quarters and they resorted to indefinite blockade on the both the National Highways.
Despite the blockade and other problems, the Government with a firm determination successfully conducted the ADC elections.
This was a major achievement of the Government, the Chief Minister asserted.
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It deserves open appreciation, that the people despite the threats and acts of violence and arson, reposed faith in democracy and came out to cast their votes, Ibobi remarked.
The State Government would provide protection to all candidates who get elected.
Out of 115 polling stations in Tamenglong district, voter turn out was quite encouraging in 80 polling stations.
But polling officials could not reach the remaining 35 polling stations due to many obstructions on the way.
Schedule for re-poll in these polling stations where the officials could not reach and other polling stations where no polling was done has been fixed.
The re-poll will be done in two phases on June 11 and June 16 .
Pointing out that the election process is almost over, the Chief Minister appealed to lift the blockade.
The Autonomous District Council Act was passed by the State Assembly after it was deliberated in Hill Areas Committee repeatedly.
"Even if some people are of the opinion that the Act needs further amendment, there is no harm in it", the Chief Minister iterated.
Because of the ADC elections, essential goods could not be ferried about a week.
With the elections now over, security personnel have come back from election duty.
Subsequently, a joint meeting of the Army, BSF, Assam Rifles, CRPF and State Police was held yesterday and studied about bringing in essential goods from outside the State.
As per an agreement reached during the meeting, a convoy of around 400 empty trucks left Imphal with security escorts today.
Moreover, necessary measures have been taken up to bring in around 625 vehicles currently stranded at Jiribam and some places of Assam along NH 53 using all available resources tomorrow, Ibobi stated.