Olympic champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mary-kom">Mary Kom</a> who got married back in 2005 to Karung Onkholer aka Onler is reportedly going through a difficult phase in her personal life. As per reports, the couple have been living separately for a while now amid divorce rumours.
Troubles surfaced after Mary's husband, Onler suffered defeat in the 2022 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/manipur-assembly-elections">Manipur Assembly elections</a>. According to reports, the couple had spent close to $23 million for their campaign, but the defeat left them weary.
As per report in Hindustan Times, Mary has moved to their Faridabad house with all of her four children, while her husband moved to a house in Delhi.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/scottie-scheffler-masters-dinner-augusta-masters-champions-dinner-2025-menu-cheeseburgers-sliders-texas-style-chili-blackened-redfish-or-cowboy-ribeye-main-course-chocolate-chip-skillet-cookie-8942434">Augusta Masters dinner 2025: Scottie Scheffler serves another zinger with Texas -style chilli</a>
"Mary moved to Faridabad with their (four) children, while Onler has been living in Delhi with some family members," a source close to the development was quoted saying. "Their differences escalated after the elections. Mary was reportedly unhappy about the financial losses - around INR 2-3 crores - incurred during the campaign and (the fact) that he lost."
<h2>Trouble in paradise?</h2>
The report further suggests that Onler was not keen in entering the political arena but only agreed to contest elections on Mary's request.
"It was Mary's idea. He didn't want to contest and had warned her that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/manipur">Manipur</a>'s political landscape was volatile at the time," Hindustan Times quoted a source as saying. "After the defeat, things worsened. Their usual marital disagreements turned serious, and Mary moved into her Faridabad house with the kids."
However, there has been no official communication on the matter from the couple.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, a boxer, on the condition of anonymity, revealed something shocking. He was quoted saying, "The separation rumours about Mary Kom and Onler might not be just rumours. No one knows the reason for sure, though. Everyone whispers about Mary ma'am being in a relationship with another boxer's husband. Speculation has been fuelled further by her recent Instagram posts featuring him as her business associate."
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports: Troubles surfaced after Mary's husband lost in the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections. As per reports, the couple had spent close to $23 million for their campaign

Olympic champion Mary Kom who got married back in 2005 to Karung Onkholer aka Onler is reportedly going through a difficult phase in her personal life. As per reports, the couple have been living separately for a while now amid divorce rumours. Troubles surfaced after Mary's husband, Onler suffered defeat in the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections. According to reports, the couple had spent close to $23 million for their campaign, but the defeat left them weary. As per report in Hindustan Times, Mary has moved to their Faridabad house with all of her four children, while her husband moved to a house in Delhi. Also Read: Augusta Masters dinner 2025: Scottie Scheffler serves another zinger with Texas -style chilli "Mary moved to Faridabad with their (four) children, while Onler has been living in Delhi with some family members," a source close to the development was quoted saying. "Their differences escalated after the elections. Mary was reportedly unhappy about the financial losses - around INR 2-3 crores - incurred during the campaign and (the fact) that he lost." Trouble in paradise? The report further suggests that Onler was not keen in entering the political arena but only agreed to contest elections on Mary's request. "It was Mary's idea. He didn't want to contest and had warned her that Manipur's political landscape was volatile at the time," Hindustan Times quoted a source as saying. "After the defeat, things worsened. Their usual marital disagreements turned serious, and Mary moved into her Faridabad house with the kids." However, there has been no official communication on the matter from the couple. Meanwhile, a boxer, on the condition of anonymity, revealed something shocking. He was quoted saying, "The separation rumours about Mary Kom and Onler might not be just rumours. No one knows the reason for sure, though. Everyone whispers about Mary ma'am being in a relationship with another boxer's husband. Speculation has been fuelled further by her recent Instagram posts featuring him as her business associate." (With inputs from agencies)

Indian boxing legend Mary Kom living separately from husband amid divorce rumours? Reports suggests so

According to Zee News exit poll 2022, Goa is likely to witness a change in government in 2022, with Congress dominating the Assembly election results.

Zee News conducted the post-poll survey in association with Design Boxed - a political campaign management company. The exit poll was conducted in all the five states that went to polls— Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Punjab.

Punjab - Malwa Region Exit Poll&nbsp;

Seat- 69, Congress 12-16, SAD+ 10-14, AAP 38-42, BJP+ 2-5

Punjab - Doaba region Exit Poll

Seats- 23

CONG 9-10, SAD+ 8-10, AAP 3-5, BJP+ 1-2, Others: O

Punjab - Majha region exit poll prediction

Seat- 25, Congress 5-7, SAD+ 5-8, AAP 11-14, BJP+ 0, Others: 0

Punjab exit poll: Vote share

CONG 25, SAD+ 24, AAP 39, BJP+ 6, OTH 6

Punjab Assembly election exit poll: Seat share

Seat- 117 : &nbsp;CONG &nbsp; 26-33, SAD+ 24-32, AAP 52-61, BJP+ 3-7, Others: 1-2

Uttarakhand exit polls: Vote share

BJP 35, Cong 39, AAP 9, BSP 8, Others 9

Uttarakhand Exit Polls: Seat share

Seat- 70, BJP 26-30, CONG 35-40, BSP 2-3, Others: 1-3

Congress pips BJP in Goa, may cross majority mark to form government.

Goa Exit polls: 40 seats

Vote share:&nbsp;

BJP 31, CONG+ 33, MGP+ 12, AAP 12, Others 12

Seat share

Seat - 40

BJP 13-18 , CONG+ 14-19, MGP+ 2-5, AAP 1-3, Others 1-3

Manipur Exit Poll - Vote Percentage

BJP 39, CONG+ 30, NPF 09, NPP 06, Others: 16

Expected Seat Share

Total Seats: 60

BJP 32-38, CONG+ 12- 17, NPF 3-5, NPP 2-4, Others 2-5

According to Zee News exit poll 2022, Goa is likely to witness a change in government in 2022, with Congress dominating the Assembly election results. Zee News conducted the post-poll survey in association with Design Boxed - a political campaign management company.

According to Zee News exit poll 2022, Goa is likely to witness a change in government in 2022, with Congress dominating the Assembly election results. Zee News conducted the post-poll survey in association with Design Boxed - a political campaign management company. The exit poll was conducted in all the five states that went to polls— Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Punjab. Punjab - Malwa Region Exit Poll Seat- 69, Congress 12-16, SAD+ 10-14, AAP 38-42, BJP+ 2-5 Punjab - Doaba region Exit Poll Seats- 23 CONG 9-10, SAD+ 8-10, AAP 3-5, BJP+ 1-2, Others: O Punjab - Majha region exit poll prediction Seat- 25, Congress 5-7, SAD+ 5-8, AAP 11-14, BJP+ 0, Others: 0 Punjab exit poll: Vote share CONG 25, SAD+ 24, AAP 39, BJP+ 6, OTH 6 Punjab Assembly election exit poll: Seat share Seat- 117 : CONG 26-33, SAD+ 24-32, AAP 52-61, BJP+ 3-7, Others: 1-2 Uttarakhand exit polls: Vote share BJP 35, Cong 39, AAP 9, BSP 8, Others 9 Uttarakhand Exit Polls: Seat share Seat- 70, BJP 26-30, CONG 35-40, BSP 2-3, Others: 1-3 Congress pips BJP in Goa, may cross majority mark to form government. Goa Exit polls: 40 seats Vote share: BJP 31, CONG+ 33, MGP+ 12, AAP 12, Others 12 Seat share Seat - 40 BJP 13-18 , CONG+ 14-19, MGP+ 2-5, AAP 1-3, Others 1-3 Manipur Exit Poll - Vote Percentage BJP 39, CONG+ 30, NPF 09, NPP 06, Others: 16 Expected Seat Share Total Seats: 60 BJP 32-38, CONG+ 12- 17, NPF 3-5, NPP 2-4, Others 2-5

India Assembly elections 2022: Exit poll - AAP likely to form government in Punjab; Congress pips BJP in Goa

The newly-elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government announced that the&nbsp;indefinite economic blockade of two national highways in India&#39;s north-eastern state Manipur will be lifted from midnight today.

The lifting of the blockade was resolved after tripartite talks between the central and state governments, and the United Naga Council in Manipur, ANI reported. 
&nbsp;

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Lifting of indefinite economic blockade was resolved in a tripartite talk,involving United Naga Council,GoI&amp;Manipur govt in Senapati,Manipur <a href="https://t.co/ZEQ1VeeNxV">pic.twitter.com/ZEQ1VeeNxV</a>
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The central government had repeatedly urged the former Congress government in the state to end the blockade, holding (former) chief minister&nbsp;Ibobi Singh responsible for the crisis.

The BJP had promised to make Manipur a &quot;bandh-mukt&quot; (blockade-free) state if elected to power.&nbsp;

The United Naga Council put up the blockade on November 1 after the Manipur government announced the formation of seven new districts, taking the total number of districts in the state to 16.

The Nagas alleged two of the new districts -- Kangpokpi and Jiribam -- will snatch their ancestral lands away from them.&nbsp;

The over 130-day blockade had cut Manipur off completely since most supplies enter the state through the national highways 
 
Biren Singh will take a trust vote tomorrow to prove his trust vote in the 60-member Assembly.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The lifting of the blockade was resolved after tripartite talks between the central and state governments, and the United Naga Council

The newly-elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government announced that the indefinite economic blockade of two national highways in India's north-eastern state Manipur will be lifted from midnight today. The lifting of the blockade was resolved after tripartite talks between the central and state governments, and the United Naga Council in Manipur, ANI reported. Lifting of indefinite economic blockade was resolved in a tripartite talk,involving United Naga Council,GoI&Manipur govt in Senapati,Manipur pic.twitter.com/ZEQ1VeeNxV — ANI (@ANI_news) March 19, 2017 × The central government had repeatedly urged the former Congress government in the state to end the blockade, holding (former) chief minister Ibobi Singh responsible for the crisis. The BJP had promised to make Manipur a "bandh-mukt" (blockade-free) state if elected to power. The United Naga Council put up the blockade on November 1 after the Manipur government announced the formation of seven new districts, taking the total number of districts in the state to 16. The Nagas alleged two of the new districts -- Kangpokpi and Jiribam -- will snatch their ancestral lands away from them. The over 130-day blockade had cut Manipur off completely since most supplies enter the state through the national highways Biren Singh will take a trust vote tomorrow to prove his trust vote in the 60-member Assembly. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Indefinite economic blockade of Manipur to be lifted from midnight today

The BJP in Manipur&nbsp;claimed on Sunday to have secured the support of 32 MLAs after getting the backing of NDA&nbsp;constituent parties and two other MLAs, and said it would elect the legislature party leader tomorrow.

BJP has its own 21 MLAs and secured support of 11 others adding up to 32 legislators. 31 are needed to form government in the 60-member Assembly, Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said after meeting Governor Najma Heptullah.

A delegation of BJP and parties supporting it called on the Governor but it was not clear what transpired in the meeting.

Biswa Sarma said the legislature party leader would be elected tomorrow.

Shyamkumar, one of the 28 Congress MLAs who won from Andro constituency, and the lone All India Trinamool Congress legislator Robindro joined the BJP taking the party&#39;s numbers to 32, Sarma said. 
 
Asked about application of the anti-defection law against Shyamkumar, Biswa Sarma said they have kept that in mind. 
Earlier, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said, &quot;We have been able to come to an understanding with the NPP and LJP in our bid to form the government in Manipur.&quot; 
 
NPP won 4 seats and LGP 1. 
 
NPP and LJP representatives were present along with their winning candidates in Madhav&#39;s press conference. 
Madhav said that the party also has an &quot;understanding&quot; with another NDA partner Naga People&#39;s Front which has won four seats. 
 
So, after the support of NPP, NPF, LJP, Trinamool Congress and the Congress&#39; one MLA, the BJP has support of 32 MLAs including its own 21. 
 
Madhav said that yesterday the NPF had issued a press statement wherein it said it was willing to form a non-Congress government in Manipur. 
 
The NPP&#39;s Conrad Sangma said that the popular verdict was for a change in Manipur. 
 
On being asked who would be the chief minister in the event of the BJP forming a coalition government, Madhav said the party leadership would decide soon. 
 
Manipur yesterday threw up a hung assembly with the ruling Congress bagging 28 of the 60 seats and the BJP winning 21.&nbsp;

Despite BJP&#39;s move to form government in Manipur, the Congress which was ruling the state for the past 15 years, said it would stake claim too. 
 
&quot;We will stake claim soon to form the next government. A fractured mandate requires a coalition government. The Congress is exploring possibilities to join with like-minded parties to form the government,&quot; state Congress president T N Haokip told reporters after a Congress legislature party meeting during the day. 
 
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh was re-elected as the CLP leader in the meeting for the fourth time.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

The BJP said it had the support of 32 legislators. 31 are needed to form the government in the 60-member Assembly

The BJP in Manipur claimed on Sunday to have secured the support of 32 MLAs after getting the backing of NDA constituent parties and two other MLAs, and said it would elect the legislature party leader tomorrow. BJP has its own 21 MLAs and secured support of 11 others adding up to 32 legislators. 31 are needed to form government in the 60-member Assembly, Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said after meeting Governor Najma Heptullah. A delegation of BJP and parties supporting it called on the Governor but it was not clear what transpired in the meeting. Biswa Sarma said the legislature party leader would be elected tomorrow. Shyamkumar, one of the 28 Congress MLAs who won from Andro constituency, and the lone All India Trinamool Congress legislator Robindro joined the BJP taking the party's numbers to 32, Sarma said. Asked about application of the anti-defection law against Shyamkumar, Biswa Sarma said they have kept that in mind. Earlier, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said, "We have been able to come to an understanding with the NPP and LJP in our bid to form the government in Manipur." NPP won 4 seats and LGP 1. NPP and LJP representatives were present along with their winning candidates in Madhav's press conference. Madhav said that the party also has an "understanding" with another NDA partner Naga People's Front which has won four seats. So, after the support of NPP, NPF, LJP, Trinamool Congress and the Congress' one MLA, the BJP has support of 32 MLAs including its own 21. Madhav said that yesterday the NPF had issued a press statement wherein it said it was willing to form a non-Congress government in Manipur. The NPP's Conrad Sangma said that the popular verdict was for a change in Manipur. On being asked who would be the chief minister in the event of the BJP forming a coalition government, Madhav said the party leadership would decide soon. Manipur yesterday threw up a hung assembly with the ruling Congress bagging 28 of the 60 seats and the BJP winning 21. Despite BJP's move to form government in Manipur, the Congress which was ruling the state for the past 15 years, said it would stake claim too. "We will stake claim soon to form the next government. A fractured mandate requires a coalition government. The Congress is exploring possibilities to join with like-minded parties to form the government," state Congress president T N Haokip told reporters after a Congress legislature party meeting during the day. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh was re-elected as the CLP leader in the meeting for the fourth time. (PTI)

BJP says has requisite numbers for forming government in Manipur

Congress edged out BJP in the state as the poll battle ended in a virtual shoot-out as leads kept changing throughout the day. Congress beat BJP by winning 28 seats to 21, though the former has fallen agonisingly short of the half-way mark to form the government.

The Congress have bucked predictions made by several exit polls to beat the BJP. &nbsp;

In the high-profile contest in Thoubal, &#39;Iron Lady&#39; of Manipur Irom Sharmila lost to the incumbent chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

Sharmila managed to garner only 90 votes, according to the Election Commission of India.

Reacting to the heavy loss, Sharmila said she would not contest the next state elections and would concentrate on fighting the menace of the army in her state. &nbsp;

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I want to quit fighting any type of election: Irom Sharmila after losing election <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectionResults?src=hash">#ElectionResults</a> <a href="https://t.co/ednIn2MCow">pic.twitter.com/ednIn2MCow</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/840534819238944768">March 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Sharmila, a renowned civil rights activist who went on a hunger strike for 16 years to protest army&#39;s unchecked power in the state, had floated a party of her own -- Peoples&#39; Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRAJA) -- to contest this state election.

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Manipur: Supporters of CM Okram Ibobi Singh, who has won from Thoubal seat, celebrate <a href="https://t.co/Vhf6gemFPh">pic.twitter.com/Vhf6gemFPh</a>
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But the end result shows she failed to make a dent in these elections.&nbsp;

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Early trends show Irom Sharmila trailing on the Imphal seat, Manipur (WION)
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Congress candidates who won included Md Abdul Naser and K Jaikishen Singh.&nbsp;N Biren Singh, a key BJP leader, emerged victorious from Heingang Assembly seat. BJP nominees who won included Sapam R Singh and Heikham Dingo Singh.&nbsp;Y Jaikumar Singh and Langpoklakpam J Singh of Nationalist People&#39;s Party (NPP) emerged victorious from Uripok and Keishamthong seat, respectively.

The Naga People&#39;s Front won from Mao (ST), Tamei (ST) and Phungyar (ST) seats.&nbsp;Lokjanshakti party won Langthabal seat.&nbsp;

Elections in the state were held in two phases -- the first phase was held on March 4 and the second on March 8.&nbsp;The elections were held for 60 seats.&nbsp;

(WION)

Irom Sharmila managed to garner only 90 votes in her fight against chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh in Thoubal seat

Congress edged out BJP in the state as the poll battle ended in a virtual shoot-out as leads kept changing throughout the day. Congress beat BJP by winning 28 seats to 21, though the former has fallen agonisingly short of the half-way mark to form the government. The Congress have bucked predictions made by several exit polls to beat the BJP. In the high-profile contest in Thoubal, 'Iron Lady' of Manipur Irom Sharmila lost to the incumbent chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh. Sharmila managed to garner only 90 votes, according to the Election Commission of India. Reacting to the heavy loss, Sharmila said she would not contest the next state elections and would concentrate on fighting the menace of the army in her state. I want to quit fighting any type of election: Irom Sharmila after losing election #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/ednIn2MCow — ANI (@ANI_news) March 11, 2017 × Sharmila, a renowned civil rights activist who went on a hunger strike for 16 years to protest army's unchecked power in the state, had floated a party of her own -- Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRAJA) -- to contest this state election. Manipur: Supporters of CM Okram Ibobi Singh, who has won from Thoubal seat, celebrate pic.twitter.com/Vhf6gemFPh — ANI (@ANI_news) March 11, 2017 × But the end result shows she failed to make a dent in these elections. Early trends show Irom Sharmila trailing on the Imphal seat, Manipur (WION) × Congress candidates who won included Md Abdul Naser and K Jaikishen Singh. N Biren Singh, a key BJP leader, emerged victorious from Heingang Assembly seat. BJP nominees who won included Sapam R Singh and Heikham Dingo Singh. Y Jaikumar Singh and Langpoklakpam J Singh of Nationalist People's Party (NPP) emerged victorious from Uripok and Keishamthong seat, respectively. The Naga People's Front won from Mao (ST), Tamei (ST) and Phungyar (ST) seats. Lokjanshakti party won Langthabal seat. Elections in the state were held in two phases -- the first phase was held on March 4 and the second on March 8. The elections were held for 60 seats. (WION)

Manipur Assembly Elections: BJP fails to dislodge Congress, Irom Sharmila loses

Manipur recorded around 86 per cent voter turnout in the last phase of Assembly polls, the highest since 2009, PTI quoted the&nbsp;election commission as saying.

Polling was&nbsp;held in 22 seats in the second and final phase of the state Assembly election.

State Chief Electoral officer Vivek Kumar Dewangan earlier&nbsp;said polling was peaceful except a few incidents of violence outside polling booths in Tamenglong Assembly segment.

Some cases of causing damage to the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were reported in Chandel Assembly segment. The EVMs were replaced within a short time, he added.

The 22 Assembly segments, where polling is being held, are spread over the valley district of Thoubal and the hill districts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati.

A huge voter turnout of 84 per cent was recorded in the first phase of polling to the 60-member Assembly on March 4.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

 
&nbsp;

State Chief Electoral officer said the percentage was expected to go up as long queues were still visible outside several polling booths

Manipur recorded around 86 per cent voter turnout in the last phase of Assembly polls, the highest since 2009, PTI quoted the election commission as saying. Polling was held in 22 seats in the second and final phase of the state Assembly election. State Chief Electoral officer Vivek Kumar Dewangan earlier said polling was peaceful except a few incidents of violence outside polling booths in Tamenglong Assembly segment. Some cases of causing damage to the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were reported in Chandel Assembly segment. The EVMs were replaced within a short time, he added. The 22 Assembly segments, where polling is being held, are spread over the valley district of Thoubal and the hill districts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati. A huge voter turnout of 84 per cent was recorded in the first phase of polling to the 60-member Assembly on March 4. (PTI)

Manipur Assembly Elections: 86% polling in final phase

&nbsp;

By Enakshi Sharma

&quot;You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.&quot; - The Dark Knight

Well, that is too strong a statement for someone like Irom Sharmila. She can surely never be a villain considering what she has done already. However, looking at the response to her ongoing election campaign or the lack of it, one can&rsquo;t help but remember this quote from &quot;The Dark Knight&quot;. But what can be the reason for this apparent apathy of the people? What does it tell us about gender equations in our societies?

Let us first go back in time to the point where it all started, just so that we can have an idea about Sharmila&rsquo;s evolution. It all started in the year 2000 when some of the current social media sensations were mere toddlers. Ten civilians lost their lives during indiscriminate firing by Assam Rifles on 2nd December that year and in protest, Sharmila started her epic fast that lasted till 9th August 2016. She did not touch food during these 500 weeks and was repeatedly arrested and released during this period. Authorities used nasogastric intubation occasionally just to keep her alive. Practically, she almost killed herself to make a point on&nbsp;behalf of her people. Her struggle brought international recognition to the extra-judicial killings in Manipur by the state machinery. What more could a state&nbsp;have asked for from&nbsp;its brave daughter?

Cut to March 2017, she is now busy campaigning for the election. She has no funds for campaigning but she has picked hardest of the battles, that against the CM Ibobi Singh, representing the newly formed party called Peoples&rsquo; Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA). However, there is a marked difference between the public receptions of Sharmila, the politician compared to Sharmila, the anti-AFSPA activist.

As per most of the reports coming out of poll-bound Manipur, the primary battle is between the ruling Congress and the resurgent BJP. PRJA is not being taken too seriously by most of the voters. Ibobi Singh is nearly invincible on his home turf and Sharmila&rsquo;s battle seems to have nothing more than symbolic significance as of now. Even those who might have idolized her when she was starving herself to near-death, are not likely to join her in this new journey. So, she is just cycling alone all over the constituency, trying to talk to the people and working towards convincing them to vote for her. Even the most optimistic of the estimates are not even remotely in her favour.

So, what exactly has changed? To begin with, she is no longer starving or suffering for the people. She has entered the power game that has many benefits in case she wins. This naturally changes people&rsquo;s perception towards a person even if the person does not change herself. But is that a reason enough to explain people&rsquo;s lack of interest in her new party?

Before answering this question, another important development must be taken into account. She has recently announced her marriage to a person who is not from Manipur. In fact, he is not even Indian but&nbsp;a Goa-born British citizen. In the conservative confines of Manipur, this news has come as a big shock, so much so that people are seeing his hand behind her new avatar. It is noteworthy that originally she vowed not to end the fast till AFSPA was repealed. AFSPA is still there and she now plans to fight the cause politically. However, many have not been able to accept this sudden change of heart because even in 2014 she was invited to contest elections by various parties but she declined.

While certain questions are understandable, it is hard to imagine a male candidate facing similar apprehensions. Manipur women have excelled in many fields from sports to culture but rarely are they seen in politics. Is it is a sign of a deeply patriarchal society? Does it find too hard to accept the fact that Sharmila now plans to live her own life and also intends to be a part of the establishment? What if she had just starved herself to death? Would it have been more preferable to them as women are meant to suffer anyway?

None of these questions are likely to return satisfactory answers as of now!

(WION)

She has no funds for campaigning the Manipur assembly polls but she has picked hardest of battles against CM Ibobi Singh

By Enakshi Sharma "You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." - The Dark Knight Well, that is too strong a statement for someone like Irom Sharmila. She can surely never be a villain considering what she has done already. However, looking at the response to her ongoing election campaign or the lack of it, one can’t help but remember this quote from "The Dark Knight". But what can be the reason for this apparent apathy of the people? What does it tell us about gender equations in our societies? Let us first go back in time to the point where it all started, just so that we can have an idea about Sharmila’s evolution. It all started in the year 2000 when some of the current social media sensations were mere toddlers. Ten civilians lost their lives during indiscriminate firing by Assam Rifles on 2nd December that year and in protest, Sharmila started her epic fast that lasted till 9th August 2016. She did not touch food during these 500 weeks and was repeatedly arrested and released during this period. Authorities used nasogastric intubation occasionally just to keep her alive. Practically, she almost killed herself to make a point on behalf of her people. Her struggle brought international recognition to the extra-judicial killings in Manipur by the state machinery. What more could a state have asked for from its brave daughter? Cut to March 2017, she is now busy campaigning for the election. She has no funds for campaigning but she has picked hardest of the battles, that against the CM Ibobi Singh, representing the newly formed party called Peoples’ Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA). However, there is a marked difference between the public receptions of Sharmila, the politician compared to Sharmila, the anti-AFSPA activist. As per most of the reports coming out of poll-bound Manipur, the primary battle is between the ruling Congress and the resurgent BJP. PRJA is not being taken too seriously by most of the voters. Ibobi Singh is nearly invincible on his home turf and Sharmila’s battle seems to have nothing more than symbolic significance as of now. Even those who might have idolized her when she was starving herself to near-death, are not likely to join her in this new journey. So, she is just cycling alone all over the constituency, trying to talk to the people and working towards convincing them to vote for her. Even the most optimistic of the estimates are not even remotely in her favour. So, what exactly has changed? To begin with, she is no longer starving or suffering for the people. She has entered the power game that has many benefits in case she wins. This naturally changes people’s perception towards a person even if the person does not change herself. But is that a reason enough to explain people’s lack of interest in her new party? Before answering this question, another important development must be taken into account. She has recently announced her marriage to a person who is not from Manipur. In fact, he is not even Indian but a Goa-born British citizen. In the conservative confines of Manipur, this news has come as a big shock, so much so that people are seeing his hand behind her new avatar. It is noteworthy that originally she vowed not to end the fast till AFSPA was repealed. AFSPA is still there and she now plans to fight the cause politically. However, many have not been able to accept this sudden change of heart because even in 2014 she was invited to contest elections by various parties but she declined. While certain questions are understandable, it is hard to imagine a male candidate facing similar apprehensions. Manipur women have excelled in many fields from sports to culture but rarely are they seen in politics. Is it is a sign of a deeply patriarchal society? Does it find too hard to accept the fact that Sharmila now plans to live her own life and also intends to be a part of the establishment? What if she had just starved herself to death? Would it have been more preferable to them as women are meant to suffer anyway? None of these questions are likely to return satisfactory answers as of now! (WION)

Why Manipur's electorate has lost interest in Irom Sharmila

Polling booths opened at 7am in Manipur today in the first phase for thirty-eight&nbsp;Assembly segments. There were long queues in first three hours with 29 per cent voting recorded.

Heavy security arrangements have been put in place with 280 companies of central paramilitary forces and armed police of other states deployed across polling centres in the state.

Polling is taking place across Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Phezerol districts in the first phase.

There are 168 candidates in the fray in the first phase, which includes six women.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManipurElection2017?src=hash">#ManipurElection2017</a>: Irom Sharmila casts her vote at booth no. 3/39 of Khurai assembly constituency, says she is confident of her victory. <a href="https://t.co/Zi8cArRmRq">pic.twitter.com/Zi8cArRmRq</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/837885408880971777">March 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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(WION with agency inputs)

There were long queues outside polling booths in first three hours with 29 per cent voting recorded

Polling booths opened at 7am in Manipur today in the first phase for thirty-eight Assembly segments. There were long queues in first three hours with 29 per cent voting recorded. Heavy security arrangements have been put in place with 280 companies of central paramilitary forces and armed police of other states deployed across polling centres in the state. Polling is taking place across Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Phezerol districts in the first phase. There are 168 candidates in the fray in the first phase, which includes six women. #ManipurElection2017: Irom Sharmila casts her vote at booth no. 3/39 of Khurai assembly constituency, says she is confident of her victory. pic.twitter.com/Zi8cArRmRq — ANI (@ANI_news) March 4, 2017 × (WION with agency inputs)

Manipur Assembly elections: Brisk polling in first phase

Manipur recorded a tentative 84 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of polling for the 60-seat state assembly today.

Polling was held in 1,643 polling stations in 38 constituencies across the twin districts of Imphal East and Imphal West, Bishnupur and the hill districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

The figure is tentative as reports from 28 polling stations are to yet be received due to lack of proper communication, Chief Electoral Officer V K Dewangan told reporters here.

He said 77.18 per cent polling was recorded in the same constituencies in the 2012 Assembly elections.

He said there was alleged threat to voters by unidentified troublemakers at Saikul constituency in Kangpokpi district and investigations would be made.

The second phase of election in the remaining 22 constituencies is scheduled to be held on March 8. 
 
(PTI)

Polling was held in 38 constituencies across Imphal, Bishnupur and the hill districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi

Manipur recorded a tentative 84 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of polling for the 60-seat state assembly today. Polling was held in 1,643 polling stations in 38 constituencies across the twin districts of Imphal East and Imphal West, Bishnupur and the hill districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. The figure is tentative as reports from 28 polling stations are to yet be received due to lack of proper communication, Chief Electoral Officer V K Dewangan told reporters here. He said 77.18 per cent polling was recorded in the same constituencies in the 2012 Assembly elections. He said there was alleged threat to voters by unidentified troublemakers at Saikul constituency in Kangpokpi district and investigations would be made. The second phase of election in the remaining 22 constituencies is scheduled to be held on March 8. (PTI)

84% polling in first phase of Manipur Assembly Elections

India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress for corruption and lack of development in Manipur and said the party was spreading misinforming people that the central government was compromising with the territorial sovereignity of the state.

The prime minister also said that if the BJP comes to power in the state, he would ensure economic blockades were put to an end in the state.&nbsp;

&quot;There will never be an economic blockade when BJP comes to power in Manipur, I assure you this,&quot; PM Modi said at an election rally in Manipur capital Imphal.

Accusing the Congress of &quot;ruining&quot; Manipur in the last 15 years, Modi assured that the BJP would do in 15 months what the Congress could not do all this while. He also said he was the only prime minister after Morarji Desai who attended the North East Council (NEC) meetings for the overall development of the North Eastern states.

&quot;It has been 15 years, Manipur has been ruined. Who is responsible? Congress did no development, do they deserve to be here now?. What they (Congress) did not do in last 15 years, I assure we will do it in 15 months,&quot; PM Modi said.

&quot;When Atalji (former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee) formed government, he made policies for overall development of Northeast. But Congress did not carry the good work forward.

&quot;Since last 40 years, no PM of the country came to North-East for NEC Meeting. After Morarji Desai I am the only one who visited,&quot; he added.

Modi also alleged that the Congress party was dividing people by saying that the Centre was compromising the territorial integrity of Manipur by signing an accord with the Naga insurgent group -- the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM). &nbsp;

&quot;People have been talking about the accord with the Nagas. I want to ask the CM, were you sleeping for 1.5 years? You never wrote a letter to Centre seeking details. I alone revealed everything about the accord to the Congress. They are dividing the people of Manipur by spreading lies,&quot; Prime Minister Modi said.

&quot;Naga accord was signed one and half years ago. Was Congress asleep that time? And, now they are spreading lies,&quot; he said.

He also accused the state government of pitting communities against one another for their personal gain.

&quot;In order to win elections and they are making people fight against each other. They pitted one brother against another. They don&#39;t care about the people of Manipur, all they care about is grabbing power. They don&#39;t deserve to be in the government,&quot; Prime Minister Modi said.&nbsp;

Targeting chief minister Ibobi Singh, the PM said, &quot;&quot;They (Congress) want votes for their 10 per cent commission... Have you ever heard about 10 per cent chief minister? Anywhere? Manipur now needs a zero per cent chief minister... We want vote for 100 per cent development...&quot;

Manipur goes to polls in two phases on March 4 and March 8. The results will be declared on March 11 along with that of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa.

The BJP is hoping to gain some ground in the state where the Congress is the largest party followed by the All India Trinamool Congress and Manipur State Congress Party.&nbsp;

Human rights activist Irom Sharmila, who has floated a new party after breaking her 16-year-long fast demanding repeal of the controversial AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), is also in the fray. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

At an election rally in Imphal, Modi said the Congress was spreading lies about the Naga accord signed with the Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress for corruption and lack of development in Manipur and said the party was spreading misinforming people that the central government was compromising with the territorial sovereignity of the state. The prime minister also said that if the BJP comes to power in the state, he would ensure economic blockades were put to an end in the state. "There will never be an economic blockade when BJP comes to power in Manipur, I assure you this," PM Modi said at an election rally in Manipur capital Imphal. Accusing the Congress of "ruining" Manipur in the last 15 years, Modi assured that the BJP would do in 15 months what the Congress could not do all this while. He also said he was the only prime minister after Morarji Desai who attended the North East Council (NEC) meetings for the overall development of the North Eastern states. "It has been 15 years, Manipur has been ruined. Who is responsible? Congress did no development, do they deserve to be here now?. What they (Congress) did not do in last 15 years, I assure we will do it in 15 months," PM Modi said. "When Atalji (former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee) formed government, he made policies for overall development of Northeast. But Congress did not carry the good work forward. "Since last 40 years, no PM of the country came to North-East for NEC Meeting. After Morarji Desai I am the only one who visited," he added. Modi also alleged that the Congress party was dividing people by saying that the Centre was compromising the territorial integrity of Manipur by signing an accord with the Naga insurgent group -- the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM). "People have been talking about the accord with the Nagas. I want to ask the CM, were you sleeping for 1.5 years? You never wrote a letter to Centre seeking details. I alone revealed everything about the accord to the Congress. They are dividing the people of Manipur by spreading lies," Prime Minister Modi said. "Naga accord was signed one and half years ago. Was Congress asleep that time? And, now they are spreading lies," he said. He also accused the state government of pitting communities against one another for their personal gain. "In order to win elections and they are making people fight against each other. They pitted one brother against another. They don't care about the people of Manipur, all they care about is grabbing power. They don't deserve to be in the government," Prime Minister Modi said. Targeting chief minister Ibobi Singh, the PM said, ""They (Congress) want votes for their 10 per cent commission... Have you ever heard about 10 per cent chief minister? Anywhere? Manipur now needs a zero per cent chief minister... We want vote for 100 per cent development..." Manipur goes to polls in two phases on March 4 and March 8. The results will be declared on March 11 along with that of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa. The BJP is hoping to gain some ground in the state where the Congress is the largest party followed by the All India Trinamool Congress and Manipur State Congress Party. Human rights activist Irom Sharmila, who has floated a new party after breaking her 16-year-long fast demanding repeal of the controversial AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), is also in the fray. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Government not compromising Manipur's territorial integrity, Congress lying: PM Modi

In an exclusive interview with WION, Ram Madhav, the national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared his party&#39;s vision for the roah ahead if it comes to power in Manipur. He spoke about the crisis of economic blockades in the state, and promised to make Manipur a &quot;Bandh-mukt&quot; state. The BJP general secretary blamed the Ibobi Singh-led Congress government for creating discord among people by bifurcating seven of the state&#39;s nine districts. He promised the BJP would go after political leaders behind extra-judicial killings and to end the violence in the state so much so that there would be no need for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Q: Why is Manipur so important in the scheme of things for the BJP? 
A: We started our victory march with Assam. Then we did well in other states. Now it is Manipur stop. The present government is very corrupt and problems faced by people are severe. There is high unemployment and violence.

Q: Manipur is the past has seen lot of blockades. It has become a state of blockades. How do you see this problem? 
A: Manipur has suffered enormously because of blockades. The state has lost hundreds of days because of it and per day it costs 30 crores. Blockades have also happened because of the political interest of the ruling party. We have asked the state government to end the blockade immediately and sent extra security forces. The state government didn&rsquo;t act. If we come to power, we will make sure that blockades don&rsquo;t take place.&nbsp;

Q: Impression is that BJP didn&rsquo;t do much to end the blockade because the government was concerned about the Naga Accord? 
A: That was the wrong propaganda which the local government had indulged in. It is incorrect.&nbsp;

It was a misunderstanding. The government of India can only assist the state government. It cannot take law and order under its control. We have given the state 170 companies of the para-military. Still, the chief minister (CM) said that I cannot do anything. He said you do it. He was afraid of taking strict action against people who created a problem for the whole valley. It is a sad situation. CM expresses his own helplessness.&nbsp;

Q: Why basic details of the accord have not been shared? 
A: It is a propaganda. It is a framework for a better agreement tomorrow. It&rsquo;s not the final agreement. It is a one-page agreement. It doesn&rsquo;t talk about Manipur. It only talks about the basic parameters under which agreement will be worked out with the Nagas. There is no question of the territorial compromise of Manipur and yet, to rake up the issue reeks of political desperation and nothing else. There is nothing secret in the document. The cooking has become and you want to taste it. Let it happen.

Q: Seven districts were created which led to blockade. How do you see it? 
A: Chief Ministers have the right to create districts. These are administrative decisions. The Vajpayee government created three states peacefully. Look at the Congress. They created Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and bad blood happened. It is a similar situation. They should have created districts in a manner which should not have led to political strife. That&rsquo;s the whole problem. People of the state feel that Ibobi has been power for 15 years why did he need seven districts two months before the elections.&nbsp;

Q: Manipur cannot be limited to the issue of blockades. There are problems unique to this state and how do you intend to solve them? 
A: Right now in this election, it is all about corruption. The corruption needs to end immediately. Manipur needs to be a blockade-free state. We will create employment here. People have been killed in extra-judicial killings in Manipur. There are thousands of widows. There is lawlessness perpetrated by the elected government. That will be put to an end. Political masters will be brought to books who were behind extra-judicial killings.&nbsp;

Q: If you are talking about extra-judicial killing then you have to deal with AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act). How do you resolve this issue? Iron Sharmila is contesting elections on this issue? 
A: Once we are in power we will look into it. AFSPA is not in the valley but where it exists, it exists because of violence. We will end violence in the valley. There are no jobs here. This is the reason for insurgency. That will create a situation that AFSPA wouldn&#39;t be required.

Q: You are incharge of the North East. The PM has spoken about Look East politics. How do you integrate it? 
A: It is very important to us. Manipur is a major trade transit point and Manipur is very important in this scheme. This is the reason why we want a government in Manipur.

Q: What makes you confident that the BJP will come to power&nbsp; 
A: People are fed up with 15-years of misrule and Congress CM is corrupt and people want different leadership which they see in PM Modi. We will provide that no nonsense leadership.

Q: But what about ending the anxiety over Nagalim which exists in Manipur? 
A: Absolutely. I would say whatever be the nature of talks with Naga leaders, the territorial integrity of Manipur will not be compromised. Its territory is sacred for us. No territory can be changed without the clearance of the state government.&nbsp;

(WION) 
&nbsp;

Ram Madhav, the national general secretary of the BJP, shared his party's vision for the road ahead if it comes to power in Manipur

In an exclusive interview with WION, Ram Madhav, the national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared his party's vision for the roah ahead if it comes to power in Manipur. He spoke about the crisis of economic blockades in the state, and promised to make Manipur a "Bandh-mukt" state. The BJP general secretary blamed the Ibobi Singh-led Congress government for creating discord among people by bifurcating seven of the state's nine districts. He promised the BJP would go after political leaders behind extra-judicial killings and to end the violence in the state so much so that there would be no need for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Q: Why is Manipur so important in the scheme of things for the BJP? A: We started our victory march with Assam. Then we did well in other states. Now it is Manipur stop. The present government is very corrupt and problems faced by people are severe. There is high unemployment and violence. Q: Manipur is the past has seen lot of blockades. It has become a state of blockades. How do you see this problem? A: Manipur has suffered enormously because of blockades. The state has lost hundreds of days because of it and per day it costs 30 crores. Blockades have also happened because of the political interest of the ruling party. We have asked the state government to end the blockade immediately and sent extra security forces. The state government didn’t act. If we come to power, we will make sure that blockades don’t take place. Q: Impression is that BJP didn’t do much to end the blockade because the government was concerned about the Naga Accord? A: That was the wrong propaganda which the local government had indulged in. It is incorrect. It was a misunderstanding. The government of India can only assist the state government. It cannot take law and order under its control. We have given the state 170 companies of the para-military. Still, the chief minister (CM) said that I cannot do anything. He said you do it. He was afraid of taking strict action against people who created a problem for the whole valley. It is a sad situation. CM expresses his own helplessness. Q: Why basic details of the accord have not been shared? A: It is a propaganda. It is a framework for a better agreement tomorrow. It’s not the final agreement. It is a one-page agreement. It doesn’t talk about Manipur. It only talks about the basic parameters under which agreement will be worked out with the Nagas. There is no question of the territorial compromise of Manipur and yet, to rake up the issue reeks of political desperation and nothing else. There is nothing secret in the document. The cooking has become and you want to taste it. Let it happen. Q: Seven districts were created which led to blockade. How do you see it? A: Chief Ministers have the right to create districts. These are administrative decisions. The Vajpayee government created three states peacefully. Look at the Congress. They created Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and bad blood happened. It is a similar situation. They should have created districts in a manner which should not have led to political strife. That’s the whole problem. People of the state feel that Ibobi has been power for 15 years why did he need seven districts two months before the elections. Q: Manipur cannot be limited to the issue of blockades. There are problems unique to this state and how do you intend to solve them? A: Right now in this election, it is all about corruption. The corruption needs to end immediately. Manipur needs to be a blockade-free state. We will create employment here. People have been killed in extra-judicial killings in Manipur. There are thousands of widows. There is lawlessness perpetrated by the elected government. That will be put to an end. Political masters will be brought to books who were behind extra-judicial killings. Q: If you are talking about extra-judicial killing then you have to deal with AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act). How do you resolve this issue? Iron Sharmila is contesting elections on this issue? A: Once we are in power we will look into it. AFSPA is not in the valley but where it exists, it exists because of violence. We will end violence in the valley. There are no jobs here. This is the reason for insurgency. That will create a situation that AFSPA wouldn't be required. Q: You are incharge of the North East. The PM has spoken about Look East politics. How do you integrate it? A: It is very important to us. Manipur is a major trade transit point and Manipur is very important in this scheme. This is the reason why we want a government in Manipur. Q: What makes you confident that the BJP will come to power A: People are fed up with 15-years of misrule and Congress CM is corrupt and people want different leadership which they see in PM Modi. We will provide that no nonsense leadership. Q: But what about ending the anxiety over Nagalim which exists in Manipur? A: Absolutely. I would say whatever be the nature of talks with Naga leaders, the territorial integrity of Manipur will not be compromised. Its territory is sacred for us. No territory can be changed without the clearance of the state government. (WION)

Exclusive: Will make Manipur violence-free, says BJP ahead of Assembly polls

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