People in northeast hope polls will help peace and development

Imphal/Guwahati, March 17 (ANI): The upcoming parliamentary elections in the country have increased hopes in the northeast part of the country that a fresh stress would be given to further peace and development process would be promoted further after Lok Sabha polls.

The general elections commence on April 16 and will last till May 13. The counting of votes will be held on May 16. The 15th Lok Sabha is to be convened before June 2, 2009.

In Manipur and Assam the people are looking forward with enthusiasm about exercising their franchise as they seek peace, prosperity and development of the region.

An end to ceaseless militant activities and a wish to see economic prosperity all the chief aspirations of the people in Manipur as they gear up for elections.

"I want the new government to focus on industry as Manipur does not have any industry. Youth from here are going outside and their skills are not being utilized here. So if there are industries here they can work in Manipur," said Joyson, a local resident in Manipur.

"I want the new government to work for the security of the people in the state. They should work to contain militancy in the state," said L. Tombisana Devi, another resident.

In Assam, which is due to go for polls between April 16 and 23, the people want their leaders to work for peace and development and act tough on insurgent groups that have not allowed permanent peace to return to the state.

"We want peace and progress in the country especially in Assam. We want a peaceful atmosphere. There are many disturbances caused by infiltration and militant activities. We want peace and development," said Gitika Talukdar, an Assamese.

"We hope that there be a stable government and the law and order situation will improve," said Dipak Sharma, another local resident of Assam.

Militancy and violence have disrupted life and hit economic growth of the region. By L.C.K Singh/Peter Alex Todd (ANI)