Lamka, February 02: Former HAC Chairman N Songchinkhup and seven others contenders today file their nominations here even as two election observers has touch down at the Tulihal Airport later in the evening.

Thanlon Assembly Constituency, the segment expected to have the largest number of candidates today witness three more contenders including the incumbent MLA N Songchinkhup (PDA), John K Ngaihte (INC) and Helen Haokip (Ind.), marking the number of contenders to nine.

Henglep, Saikot and Singhat witness one more each as Ngulkhothang (Ind), Ng Haokip (BJP) and Thangliankhup (SP) files their nominations adding its totality to seven, five and three each.

Selkai Harangchal (NCP) and Ngursanglur (RJD) also file their papers for Tipaimukh, while CCpur AC has witness no additional contender.

Addressing a parallel press briefing Ng Haokip and N Songchinkhup claimed that they had a very good chance of getting elected despite the common perception that falls the other way.

Ng Haokip, a former Kuki Inpi leader and social worker said he may be ridiculed by some but the real verdict will be delivered by election results.

Songchinkhup on the other claimed that the works he had accomplished during his tenure remains hidden as he was not publicity crazy.

He also for the record conceded that the prompt shifting of Thanlon ADC to Pherjawl village was done under the prerogative of IFC Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, the man he had sacked from Thanlon AC.

If re-elected among others, he has promise to revive the now discarded Tuivai Project on the borders of Mizoram to generate power for the interiors.