Violence mars Manipur second phase polls; one killed, another injured

Records 76.04% voter turnout with Senapati registering highest percentage

Our Correspondent
Imphal, March 5 (EMN): The second and final phase of the assembly elections across 22 constituencies in Manipur on Saturday was marred by poll-related violence, including killing of one person and damage of several electronic voting machines (EVMs).

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Manipur, Rajesh Agrawal, said in a press release that 12 incidents of damage to EVMs by miscreants were reported at six polling stations in Tengnoupal assembly constituency; two polling stations each in Ukhrul and Chingai constituencies; and one each in Tadubi and Karong constituencies.

FIRs have been registered in this connection, he said.

Informing that the incident at Karong assembly constituency escalated, leading to serious injury of two persons, who were immediately evacuated to Imphal by chopper for treatment, the CEO confirmed that one of them succumbed to injuries on the way, while the other person is undergoing treatment at RIMS Hospital in Imphal.

It is reported that the unfortunate incident happened at Ngamju polling station under Karong assembly constituency in Senapati district, as security forces deployed there allegedly shot at two people, leading to the death of one. It is reported that voting has been stopped at the polling station.

The election agent of a BJP candidate in a complaint filed with the returning officer alleged that the security forces deployed on election duty shot the two persons without “warning”, causing the death of one, while the other is battling for life. He had asked the official to take “immediate action”.

The voting at the Ngamju polling station is said to be halted due to the incident.

Meanwhile, the CEO of Manipur informed that there were few complaints from certain political parties and candidates during the poll but majority of them were resolved and prompt actions taken.

The polling in the entire valley area was peaceful, the CEO said.

The official stated that of the total of 22 constituencies that went to polls on Saturday, voter turnout at Mao constituency was highest with 86.78%, followed by Hiyanglam (86.31%), while Tamei reported lowest voting percentage (61.23%) till 5 pm.

The final voting percentage will be notified after the arrival of all political parties, he said.

However, PTI reported that 76.04% voter turnout was reported in the second phase of Manipur poll with Senapati district registering highest percentage at 82.02%, followed by Thoubal district at 78%.

Altogether, 92 candidates including two women were in the fray for 22 seats in the second phase of polling.

The ruling BJP had fielded 22 candidates, Congress 18, National People’s Party 11 and 10 each candidates by Naga People’s Front (NPF) and Janata Dal-United, besides other parties and Independent candidates.

The second phase of polling will decide the fate of former Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, former Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, minister Awangbow Newmai, minister Losii Dikho, and others.

A total of 8,38,730 electors, including 4,10,020 males, 4,28,679 females and 31 transgenders, are eligible to vote at 1247 polling stations spreading across six electoral districts- Thoubal, Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Jiribam.

It may be noted that the first phase of polling was held on February 28 across 38 constituencies and recorded a voter turnout of 88%.

The counting of votes will take place on March 10, along with four other states — Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Uttar Pradesh.