Candidate kidnapped, arms looted in Manipur

Imphal, Feb 17 (UNI) Mr Khangthonang Panmei, an Independent candidate for Tamenglong Assembly constituency, was today kidnapped by armed rebels from Manipur's Tamenglong district, official sources said.

The rebels also looted arms and ammunition from 12 security personnel escorting Mr Panmei.

However, there was no report of casualty.

Police said an FIR was lodged with the Tamenglong police station, about 150 kms from here.

The constituency goes to third and last phase of polling on February 23.

Local people organsied a protest march condemning the kidnapping.

Security arrangements had been beefed up and police launched a massive combing operation to trace the candidate.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is scheduled to visit Tamenglong and address an election rally tomorrow.

Meanwhile, SPG from New Delhi visited the area to oversee the security arrangement in view of the Prime Minister's visit.

The Revolutionary People's Front, a militant organization, has also called a 12-hour general strike tomorrow from 0600 hours to oppose the visit of the Prime Minister.

UNI