Polling for elections to 39 seats of three district councils of Chandel, Churachandpur and Sadar Hills in Manipur began from 7 am today, state election office said.

Sources said a little more than 2 lakh voters were exercising their franchise to elect 39 representatives to autonomous district councils (ADCs) of Chandel, Churachandpur and Sadar Hills in about 221 polling stations.

Initial reports said some miscreants set fire to Henglep and Seizang polling stations in Churachandpur district this morning but 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.

The second phase polling of ADCs would be held on June 2 in Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Senapati districts, sources said.

Some Naga organisations including All Naga Students Association Manipur are opposing the elections on the ground that enough monetary powers was not give to the ADCs, a charge strongly denied by the state government.