Imphal, Jan 3: The battle lines have been drawn clearly with the United Naga Council (UNC)\u2019s stand to oppose the Congress party in the Naga areas in Manipur in the ensuing assembly election.
\nIt has become obvious now that the tussle will be mainly between the groups supporting the Naga People\u2019s Front (NPF) and those of the Congress party in the districts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel.
\nBoth the NPF and the Congress party are likely to declare the names of their candidatures either on Thursday or Friday.
\nSources said the NPF central leaders are spending sleepless nights screening the intending candidates applied for the party ticket. \u201cWe are almost through now,\u201d an NPF leader informed this evening.
\nMeanwhile, the hectic campaigns are likely to begin by the end of this week. No doubt poll related feasting has begun long ago.
\nIt can be noted that the Christmas and the New Year\u2019s celebrations in the hill districts are dampened by the poll talks.
\nMeanwhile, regarding the NPF, as many as 56 aspiring candidates from 14 Naga majority Assembly Constituencies have been found lobbying for the Naga People\u2019s Front (NPF) ticket to fight in the polls to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly slated for January 28.
\nOut of the 56 individuals who are seeking NPF ticket, the largest number of ticket contenders was found from Chandel Assembly Constituency with nine intending candidates applied for the purpose.<\/p>\n\n