Shillong, Mar 26: The Returning Officer for Shillong Lok Sabha Constituency withheld the nomination papers of two candidates after scrutiny of nominations on Tuesday.

However the papers of other six candidates were found valid.

The two candidates whose nominations were withheld include Justice Kharbasanti of the CPI, and T.H.S Bonney of the Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM).

The nomination papers of Congress MP, Vincent H. Pala and his substitute candidate, Kennedy C. Khyriem were found valid along with the nomination papers of Jemino Mawthoh of the United Democratic Party, Sanbor Shullai of the BJP, and two Independents, Samuel Hashah and Romeo Phira Rani.

Returning Officer, Abhishek Bhagotia said that a complaint was received from a bank against Kharbasanti for not paying some dues, and a complaint against Bonney was received from KHNAM president, Pyndapborthiaw Saibon based on a court order urging the electiona authorities not to consider Bonney as the candidate of the party.

Bhagotia said that the nominations of both the candidates are pending for examination. Bonney was asked to reply by Wednesday at 11 am, and Kharbasanti has to reply by Thursday.

Saibon was re-instated as the president of KHNAM following an order passed by the Meghalaya High Court on March 20. The order passed by Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir stated that the present position of the petitioner No 2 (Saibon) as it exists, shall be maintained.

Saibon had filed a petition in Court against the claim of lone KHNAM legislator from North Shillong Constituency, Adelbert Nongrum that he was elected as the new president of the party during a general convention held in August last year.

Meanwhile the nomination papers of candidates from Tura Lok Sabha constituency which include Dr Mukul Sangma of the Congress, Agatha K. Sangma of the NPP, and Rikman G. Momin of the BJP were also found valid.

Similarly, the nominations of candidates for the bye election to Selsella Assembly Constituency, Adorsho Sangma of the BJP, Ferlin CA Sangma of the NPP, and Sayeedullah Nongrum of the UDP were also found valid.

Selsella will go to bye election along with the Lok Sabha polls on April 11.