Imphal, April 30 2010: Even as four aspiring candidates submitted their nomination papers to contest in the first phase of the ADC election, Secretary of State Election Commission Th Chitra Devi today chaired a meeting of the Returning Officers (ROs) in connection with issuing the notification for the second phase of the election to the District Councils on May 3 .

The meeting held in the Commission office at Lamphelpat in the morning was also attended by ROs of Senapati, Ukhrul and Tamenglong District Councils which would go to poll in the second phase.

In the second phase, 72 Council members are to be elected.

During the meeting, the Secretary gave instruction to the ROs concerned for taking up necessary preparations to conduct the election.

On the other hand, the State Home Department has asked the police to formulate a plan as well as furnish details on the number of BSF and CRPF companies that would be required in the election.

Meanwhile, to contest in the first phase of the election, many aspiring candidates submitted their nomination papers to their respective ROs today.

Two NCP candidates respectively submitted their nomination papers to contest in Thanlon and Henglep Constituencies under Autonomous District Councils of Churachandpur.

Two Independent candidates also reportedly submitted their nomination papers to contest in the election under the Autonomous District Council of Chandel today.

For the ADC in Sadar Hills, as many as 10 aspiring candidates filed their nominations including three Independent candidates for the Kangpokpi seat, two independents and two NCP candidates for Saikul seat and one INC candidates, one LJS candidate and two Trinamool Congress candidates for Saitu-Gamphajol seat.

The first phase of the election is to be held for the Autonomous District Councils of Sadar Hills, Chandel and Churachandpur.

In the meantime, an emergency meeting of the State Cabinet today was convened to discuss issues related to the upcoming ADC elections.

According to spokesperson of SPF Government and Sports Minister N Biren, the meeting also discussed the ongoing economic blockade along the National Highways and decided to seek the assistance of the Army and the Assam Rifles to minimise the impact of the economic blockade.

He also pointed out that Union Home Minister had assured the Chief Minister of additional Central forces would be provided to ensure smooth conduct of the ADC elections.

Meanwhile, the PDA MLAs held a meeting today and discussed the upcoming ADC election.

During the meeting, the MLAs dwelt on the resignation call given by some Naga organisations.

The MLAs also decided to urge the Government to defer the ADC polls and hold it after all differences.

On the other hand, the president of MHAADCA, Manipur, David K Shimray has written to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister pointing out that it would not be correct to hold the election under the 3rd Amendment of 2008 in the face of stiff opposition from several organisations.

In order to avert any social unrest and unwanted developments, Shimray urged the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to instruct the State Government to defer the ADC election and rectify the amended Act in the interest of the people.

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