Imphal, May 23: Will the by-elections to two Assembly Constituencies in Manipur on June 2 be a 'popularity test' for the two-and-half month old Congress-led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) ministry, already besieged with increasing insurgency-related crimes ? Kidnapping of officials, killing of youth in alleged encounter, abduction and murder by unidentified gunmen reported from different places after the government of O Ibobi Singh assumed office on March 2 last for the second term, seemed to be on the higher side.

While 34-year old N Tomba was allegedly shot dead after being picked up from his house at Kumbi in Bishnupur on March 26 last by central para military forces, two youths H Arunkumar and L Thoubawho had been abducted by unidentified gunmen, were found murdered on April 12 last at Sapermeina area in Senapati district.

At least 10 persons were killed in insurgency-connected incidents during the short period of the ministry.

"We will definitely highlight the failure of the SPF ministry to check the crimes in the state during the campaigning for the by polls," said a spokesman of the MPP which renominated former Minister L Jatra Singh in Khangabok AC.

Jatra has however opted out.

The by-elections to Khangabok in Thoubal district and Khundrakpam in Imphal east district became necessary following the decision of Ibobi Singh to resign from Khangabok (Congress) and sudden death of National Congress Party (NCP) MLA Th Navakumar Singh in the latter.

Ibobi Singh, who was elected from Khangabok and Thoubal constituencies in Thoubal district in the February elections, decided to retain the latter in the 60-member Manipur Assembly.

Although Opposition parties particularly MPP and NCP have joined hands to put up a stiff fight in the two constituencies ruling Congress appears to have an edge in Khangabok Constituency where Ibobi Singh had defeated MPP candidate Jatra Singh by over 7000 votes in February elections.

Congress which has announced that it would put up candidates in both constituencies said Landhoni Devi, wife of chief minister, would be the party's nominee in Khangabok.

"We will definitely win the Khangabok Assembly constituency," a senior Congress leader on condition of anonymity said but he refused to comment on the prospect of party's candidate in Khundrakpam where some Opposition parties were considering to nominate a 'common candidate'.

Political observers said Congress will have an edge over others.

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