Imphal, May 02 2010: In connection with the first phase elections to the Autonomous District councils of Sadar Hills, Churachandpur and chandel districts, political organisations have begun to announce their respective candidates/nominees.

Controversy is likely to shadow the forthcoming elections as candidates belonging to the Naga tribe are being advised against joining the fray by certain organisations.

Moreover information has been received that Kuki civil society organisations as well as some armed groups that are signatories to the Suspension of Operation agreement had allegedly directed Kuki candidates not to contest the election other than on the tickets of a particular party.

The ruling Congress Party had already announced names of 71 candidates as party nominees in the first phase which will witness elections for a total of 72 Council seats.

An official statement of the MPCC issued by its General Secretary Victor Keishing yesterday listed 24 party candidates each for the ADCs of Churachandpur and Sadar hills.

With the exception of Khoibu constituency in Chandel district which has a total of 24 seats, Congress candidates are in fray for 23 seats.

Out of the total number of Congress candidates in Chandel district 13 of them belong to the Naga tribe.

meanwhile, six candidates are likely to contest as CPI nominees in Churachandpur district.

NCP candidates would contest in 13 of the ADC constituencies in Churachandpur district, three in Sadar Hills and one in Chandel.

The Trinamool Congress would contest in 20 seats in the first phase polling and RJD in 24 even as the PDA, the only regional party based in the hill districts, has announced that it would not contest the polls as it had been protesting conduct of the elections under the present ADC Act.

The PDA is demanding that the Act be amended.

The BJP, on the otherhand, is likely to announce names of its candidates tomorrow.

It is also expected that most of the candidates in Churachandpur and Sadar Hills would file their nomination papers by tomorrow, the last day for confirming candidacy.

Contrary to Kuki civil organisations and some armed groups allegedly issuing instructions that non-congress candidates withdraw nomination papers, candidate aspirants in Chandel district belonging to the Naga tribes are reportedly in a state of anxiety as advisories served to them by certain organisations against contesting the polls are yet to be relaxed/lifted even on the eve of the last day of filing nominations.

Moreover, the State Government is informed to have urged Naga MLAs to exercise caution as they too have been asked to resign.

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