37 candidates file nomination papers for second phase

Imphal, Jan 25 (UNI) About 37 candidates have so far filed their nomination papers for second phase of elections to be held in Manipur on February 14.

In all, 29 assembly constituencies in Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishenpur districts will be going to polls on February 14.

While first phase of the poll for nineteen seats will be held on February 8, the last phase election for 12 seats is slated for February 23.

Manipur has 60-member house.

Among the 37 candidates have so far filed their nomination papers were sitting MLA Nongthombam Biren Singh (Heingang), Ningthoujam Bihari (Khurai), Bijoy Koijam, (Thongju), Y Erabot (Wangkhei), W Leima, the Social Welfare minister (Naoriya Pakhanglakpa) and Nameirakpam Loken for (Nambol). All the candidates were from the Congress party.

Other prominent leaders who filed their nomination papers were Pheiroijam Parijat, (Lamlai) and N Mangi Singh , Minister Commerce and Industries from Kumbi. Both are of the CPI. Sitting MLA, Meinam Bhorot (BJP) filed his papers from Thangmeiband.

The nomination papers can be filed until January 27.

Meanwhile, reports of minor skirmishes and clashes between workers of different political parties were reported from some parts of the state.

Police said Vice-President of the United Peoples Front, Manipur, Gopen Singh, who worked for Congress MLA W Brajabidhu of Lamsang, was shot dead on Tuesday night in poll related violence.

Election officials said the security would be provided to the candidates on need basis and security personnel from other states would soon reach here for poll duty.

Meanwhile, the Lamsang constituency at Imphal West where the incident occurred, was quiet today with the Joint Action Committee against the killing of Gopen, banning all election related campaign.

There should be no poll related activities in the constituency for the next two days, the JAC said.

UNI