MPCC okays 130 candidates for June 1 ADC election 2015
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Puyam Romeshwor

Imphal, May 04 2015 : The election process of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) on June 1 in Manipur is gathering momentum with more political parties announcing the lists of the candidates for the 144 member ADCs in the five hill districts.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has announced on Monday that it will field 130 candidates in the ADC elections.

Releasing the list of the candidates at Congress Bhavan on Monday, MPCC president Gaikhangam said that the party has decided not to contest for all the 144 seats due to the threat from NSCN (IM) .

Apart from the MPCC president, ADC Election-in charge MLA Victor Keishing, MPCC general secretary Bidyapati Senjam and others were present.

Chief Minister O Ibobi and Deputy CM Gaikhangam

Gaikhangam said that his party will field 24 candidates each in Churachandpur, Sadar Hills ADC and Ukhrul ADCs.

However, the party decided not to contest all the seats in the remaining ADCs, There are 22 candidates in Chandel ADC, 16 candidates in Senapati district and 20 candidates in Tamenglong ADC Deputy CM Gaikhangam said that the NSCN (IM) threat to Congress specifically ahead of the ADC Election is a major reason for not contesting all seats in the two districts.

Some candidates will contest as independents with the Congress backing.

He condemned the threat and termed it as highly unfortunate.

Out of the six ADCs, Congress will win absolute majority in four ADCs for sure, he predicted.

He was of the opinion that the NSCN (IM) might have taken this undemocratic stand in view of the unshakable stand of the Congress on the territorial integrity of Manipur.

From the very beginning it has been saying that the territory of Manipur cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

He said that if there is free and fair election his party shall win the elections in most of the districts.

In the last ADC elections held after a gap of 20 years the ruling Congress faced ban and all the candidates had to file their domination papers from an office in Imphal.

There have been constant threats to the ADC Congress members.

At least one member was assassinated last year in Ukhrul.