Polls for phase-I of Autonomous District Councils held peacefully in Manipur

CHARHAJARI - Elections for the first phase of Autonomous District Councils (ADC) were conducted peacefully here on Wednesday.

The elections have been held after 20 years of gap.

The local residents welcomed the holding of elections.

“We feel happy (that the ADC election is being conducted ). However, the election has been postponed for more than 20 years because of our demand for the sixth schedule. As for Kuki brethrens, we welcome the election, but Nagas opposed it,” said Sheikhomang Chongloi, a voter.

Over 200,000 voters are exercising their franchise to elect 39 representatives to autonomous district councils (ADCs) of Chandel, Churachandpur and Sadar Hills at about 221 polling stations.

134 aspiring candidates are on fray for the first phase of ADC election.

Polling for 39 seats of three district councils of Chandel, Churachandpur and Sadar Hills in Manipur began at 7 a.m. on Wednesday morning, State Election Office said.

Initial reports said some miscreants set fire to Henglep and Seizang polling stations in Churachandpur district in the morning, however, polling in the area continued after officials made arrangements.

Chandel, Churachandpur and Sadar Hills have 24 seats each but 33 candidates have already been declared elected unopposed, sources said.

Meanwhile, polling for second phase of Autonomous District Councils would be held on June 2 in Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Senapati districts. (ANI)