Imphal, April 23 2010: Inspite of the ongoing controversy surrounding conduct of District council polls in the hill districts, the State Election Commission is all set to issue notification for the first phase polling on April 26 followed by a similar notification on May 3 for the second phase.

Chief Minister O Ibobi, while striking a tough pose, yesterday had announced that the ADC polls would be held as announced and that the poll process would be set in motion soon.

The stand of the Chief Minister comes in the face of the stiff opposition from some hill based organisations, particularlty the United Naga Council and the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur.

The Kuki Students' Organisation, General Headquarters had also called for a wider consultation on the proposed election to be held under the 3rd Amendment Act of the ADC, 2008 .

An informed source said the with the State Cabinet approving a new schedule for election to the six District Councils during a meeting held last night, the State Election Commission too have been sounded to issue a formal notification to revive the long-delayed functions of the Councils.

The first phase polling would cover the districts of Chandel, Churachandpur and Sadar Hills with Ukhrul, Tamenglong and senapati going through the democratic process in the second phase.

It is informed that nearly seven lakh voters would exercise their franchise rights in 1020 polling stations to elect 144 Council members.

It is pertinent to mention that Ministry of Home Affairs had intimated to the State Government that the former would bear all security-related expenses to be incurred in the District Council elections.

Meanwhile, over 100 vehicles which were stranded beyond Mao Gate due to imposition of blockade by organisations demanding amendment of the District Council Act, have been brought back to Imphal under strong security escort tonight.

Police sources said some suspected blockade supporters stoned the vehicle convoy at near mao and Tadubi section of the National Highway 39.Among the vehicles, there are 40 loaded trucks, 44 oil tankers, six bullets tankers (LPG carriers), nine 407 (mini) trucks and four passenger buses.

police authorities have reportedly instructed Mao police to register case against the blockade sponsors as well as supporters/enforcers.

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