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<b>Story in numbers:</b> Manipur voters want an end to strikes

Politics in Manipur a source of wealth & power, as figures of assets of wealthiest candidates reveal

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Manipur elections

Last Updated : Mar 05 2017 | 11:59 PM IST

Voters in poll-bound Manipur want an end to the politics of blockades and strikes. The indefinite economic blockade by the United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1 against the state government's decision to create seven new districts has badly hit the supply of essential commodities, including fuel. Better educational and employment opportunities are the other important demands by young voters, many of whom have had to move to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata or Bengaluru.

But, politics in Manipur is a source of wealth and power, as the figures of the assets of the wealthiest candidates reveal. Bijay, a first-year college student, said he had decided to vote for any candidate who would provide better roads and street lights in his locality. "For me, the candidate is important and not the party. The candidate I think is better for my area, I will vote for him," he told news agencies.

For the candidates, it is not easy to co-exist, with pressure from insurgents on the one hand and the Indian state on the other. Polling for the 60-member Manipur Assembly will take place in two phases on March 4 and March 8.