Meghalaya Polls:camapaigning at peak; youth & growth focus of manifestoes

Feb 12
In Meghalaya, the campaigning for the 60 member Assembly election is at its peak. Our correspondent reports that all regional parties have released their manifestoes focusing on youth empowerment and economic development. Congress in its manifesto categorically said that the party has been working for effective governance and development, particularly for the poor and unprivileged section of the society. The Regional political party belonging to United Democratic Party (UDP), a constituent of the ruling Congress led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA), its manifesto vowing to fight against corruption with introduction of a strong and effective Lokayukta. Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) party also promises to fight against corruption, if voted to power. Altogether 345 candidates are in the fray for assembly election. Amongst these, there are as many as 126 Independent candidates who would be contesting the polls. There are 25 female candidates in the fray. The Congress party is contesting all 60 seats followed by the united Democratic Party contesting in 50 seats. Purno Sangma-led Nationalist People's Party would be contesting in 32, while the Nationalist Congress Party in 21 seats.

As polling nears security tightened across Tripura;Border with B'desh sealed

Feb 12 In Tripura, with the election just two days away, security has been beefed up all across the state. The International Border with Bangladesh is also sealed from yesterday.Our correspondent reports that adequate security arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming assembly election. Security has been beefed up all across the state. The 856 long International Border with Bangladesh is sealed from yesterday. According to CEO Asutosh Jindal the International Border will be sealed till 15th February. CEO also informed that 3 Helicopters has been pressed into service for monitoring the deployment of the Security forces. Further IG (LO) Rajiv Singh informed that out of the 3041 polling stations 32 has been identified as Extreme Sensitive and 112 has been identified as Highly Sensitive and 656 has been identified as Sensitive and rest are in general category. He said that the Polling stations have been divided into Four Categories. Tripura goes to poll on Thursday with 249 candidates in fray. Meanwhile,with just few more hours to go for the end of the campaigning, the state is seeing massive campaigning by all political parties. From the rulling left to the Congress and BJP all are in a last minute campaigning spree all around the state. MIG 27 aircraft of IAF crashes in Rajasthan Feb 12 A MIG 27 aircraft of Indian Air Force has crashed in Barmer district in Rajasthan. The plane was crashed near Alaniyo Ki Dhani. The aircraft was on routine training shorty. According to Defence spokesperson in Jodhpur, pilot is safe and admitted in the Barmer hospital. Allahabad stampede:UP CM meets injured in hospitals Feb 12 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said that whosoever is found guilty for Sunday's stampede at Allahabad railway station will be punished after the enquiry report. Talking to media persons at Allahabad, he said senior most officials of the state have been assigned to probe the incident. The Chief Minister met injured pilgrims admitted at Swarup Rani hospital and T B Sapru hospital. He handed over five thousand rupees in cash and cheque of one lakh rupees to each victim of the stampede. Earlier, Governor B L Joshi also visited the hospital and directed Allahabad Divisional Commissioner to provide cash to the relatives of the victims to fulfill their day-to-day requirement. Policeman killed in firing between rival groups in Kolkata college elections Feb 12 In Kolkata, a police personnel was killed in firing between two students organisation centering over a college election today. According to official sources, the clash began between ruling Trinamool Congress backed Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parisad and opposition Congress backed Chhatra Parisad over filing of nominations for election of a college at Garden Reach area of the city. Both the warring groups indiscriminately used bombs and opened fire. Meanwhile, three persons were also injured in an explosion in the area last night while making bombs. Our Kolkata correspondent reports that tension prevails int he area. Senior police officials are camping at the spot. 1 GNLA cadre, GNLA over ground workers arrested in Meghalaya Feb 12 In Meghalaya, one GNLA cadre and GNLA over ground workers were arrested after a joint operation carried out by the BSF and police. According to BSF, on specific input regarding GNLA activities, BSF troops deployed in West Garo Hills district alongwith state Police launched a special operation in the area of Betasing and Binapara under Ampati police station and apprehended one GNLA cadre. During preliminary questioning, the cadres confessed to be involved in number of extortion and other militant’s activities. Subsequently, on the lead information provided by the apprehendee cadre, BSF troops alongwith state Police carried out joint operation in the area of Ajangre and apprehended one GNLA over ground workers today. Apprehended persons and seized items have been handed over to concerned department for further disposal and legal action.