90 votes for 16 years of fast: Irom Sharmila says goodbye to politics

March 11, 2017

New Delhi, Mar 11: Famous civil rights activist Irom Sharmila, who plunged into politics last year after ending her world's longest hunger strike which ran for 16 years, proved to be a disaster in Manipur elections after the results were announced on Saturday.

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Shockingly only a handful of 90 people voted in her favour from Thoubal constituency while her main opponent and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh got 18,649 votes.

Even the NOTA (None of the Above) option got 143 votes, much more than what Sharmila got on her debut.
The real threat to Singh was BJP whose candidate Leitanthem Basanta Singh polled 8179 votes. Sharmila, on the other hand, had openly announced last year that she wants to become the chief minister of Manipur to achieve her goal of repealing AFSPA.

A disheartened Sharmila was quick to announce her decision to quit politics but said she will continue her fight against AFSPA.
She said she is fed up of the political system and will never fight elections again in life.
"But I will continue my fight against AFSPA until and unless it is repealed. I will fight as a social activist," she said.

Her party PRJA (Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance) had put up candidates for three seats and had got support from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) comprising six parties including CPI, CPIM, JDU and AAP. The other two candidates also lost badly and even lost their deposit.

"We have lost a battle in the long war, but we have started the fire, initiated a movement which will continue. Thanks all for the support," PRJA said on Twitter.

What went wrong?

The Meira Paibis (women activists) who had been Sharmila's backbone during her agitation against the 'draconian' Armed Forces Special Powers Act went against her once she announced entry into politics.

Even during campaigning, Sharmila looked alone with a bicycle and a whistle (party's symbol).

Her dharna against AFSPA had made her famous throughout the state as an activist even before she got into politics.

In the recent years her romantic relationship with Desmond Coutinho, a Goa-born British citizen, had not got down well with her supporters.

Recently she had to even apologise for her boyfriend's misbehaviour with her supporters but also announced to get married once the elections are over.

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News Network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: The Mangaluru City Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of the inaugural ceremony of Karavali Utsava, which will be held at the Karavali Utsava Ground on Saturday.

The festival will be inaugurated at 6:00 pm by Dakshina Kannada District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Cultural and public programmes will be held at the venue every evening and will continue until January 2.

According to City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, parking of vehicles is strictly prohibited on both sides of the road from Lalbagh to Karavali Utsava Ground. Visitors are requested to park their vehicles only at designated parking areas.

To help the public, traffic signboards and parking guidance flex boards have been installed along the routes leading to the venue. The police have urged commuters and visitors to follow these instructions to ensure smooth traffic movement.

Designated Parking Locations

•    Urwa Market Ground – Cars
•    Gandhinagar Government School (near Press Club) – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Ladyhill Church parking area – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Canara School Ground, Mannagudda – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Thimmappa Hotel premises – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Scout and Guide Bhavana premises (behind Karavali Utsava Grounds) – Two-wheelers
•    Urwa Market Road – Two-wheelers
•    Hat Hill Road – Two-wheelers

The police have appealed to the public to cooperate by following traffic rules and parking guidelines to avoid inconvenience during the festival.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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