Imphal: Campaigning in the 20 hill constituencies for the forthcoming elections to the 60-member Assembly in Manipur has been at its peak, but it has not picked up a similar fervour in other parts of the north eastern state. In stark contrast to the low-key campaigning in the 40 constituencies in the valley, there is hectic electioneering in the 20 hill constituencies.
Colourful banners, public meetings, flag hoisting by various political parties and community feasts have become a feature of campaigning in the hill districts. Lack of public rallies have become a feature in the 40 districts but in contrast several leaders including Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, are on their campaign trail in the hilly areas, including in the prestigious Ukhrul Assembly seat.
In the Ukhrul constituency, Danny Shaija, a sitting candidate who was an independent candidate in the last elections, is now contesting on a BJP ticket and locked in a multi-cornered contest against Alfred Kangam Arethur of the Congress, Aleng A S Shimray of NCP and S Somatai of All India Trinamool Congress.
At a recent public meeting in Tangkhul Naga Long ground here, Rio urged people to support the Nagaland People's Front (NPF) backed independent candidates in the hilly districts dominated by the Naga community.
"We will work for better governance and remove the misunderstanding between the Manipuri and Naga communities", he said.
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