Suspected Naga militants kidnapped an independent candidate contesting the Manipur Assembly elections and destroyed his house and vehicle in Tamenglong district after overpowering his security personnel, official sources said on Saturday.

Over 50 armed militants stormed the house of Khangthauanang Panmei, the independent candidate, overpowered the security guards and beat up his supporters before kidnapping him, the sources said.

They also took away eight self-loading rifles, several rounds of ammunition and two light machine guns from the security guards, the sources said, before destroying the candidate's house and vehicle.

Earlier, candidates were directed to withdraw from the fray by the United Naga Council in support of their nominees.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and election observers have rushed to Tamenglong by a special helicopter.

Army helicopters were making an aerial search. The injured supporters were admitted to hospital.

Reports said social organisations took out processions and submitted memoranda to the deputy commissioner demanding to know how Panmei could be kidnapped when security was intensified in Tamenglong for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit on Sunday.

Social organisations have been organising rallies in the district in the past few days demanding a free and fair poll.

Over 4,000 women took out a rally on February 15 at Khoupu in Nungba assembly constituency in the district demanding that the UNC did not interfere in the election process.