Imphal, Feb 28 : Over 61 percent of the voters exercised their democratic choice amid reports of stray violence in round one of Manipur Assembly polls covering 38 constituencies on Monday. Officials said with the weather being pleasant, large numbers of voters came out to the booths and stood in the queue though the polling process was slow. The polling percentage was 61.35 at 3 PM, election officials said. Poll violence was reported at Imphal East, Kangpokpi districts, but the authorities controlled the situation by sending additional forces. Due to clashes at Keithelmanbi, the Electronic Voting Machine was damaged and the poll process got delayed. In Saltu constituency, Congress candidate Haokip alleged intimidation by other political parties while BJP lodged a complaint to the Election Commission of India accusing Congress workers of resorting to violence. Reports of sporadic clashes also came from Churachandpur, district and Keirao constituency in Imphal East district. Allegations of candidates trying to seek votes using money and muscle power poured in from some areas. A Havildar of Manipur Rifles Ibochouba died at Senvon polling station in Churachandpur district. The cause of death was yet to be ascertained. His body was airlifted to Imphal. Those queuing up in the polling booths said the identification of voters by comparing their identity cards and issuing voter slips were consuming a lot of time. The polling is being held in 80 percent of the state’s valley areas and 20 percent of the hills. The five districts which have gone to the hustings are Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur in the valley areas and Churachandpur and Kangpokpi in the hills. Manipur’s ancient headquarters Kangla. and the famed historic and religious town of Moirang – noted for the tourism hotspot Lok Tak Lake, the ancient temple of Lord Thangjing and the exploits of the Indian National Army of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during the country’s freedom struggle – are among the notable areas on Monday’s polling. Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar, Assembly Speaker Y Khemchand and Congress President N Loken were among those who have already cast their vote. Ganesan appealed to all to refrain from violence and conduct the elections in a free and fair manner. N Biren Singh also urged everyone to exercise their franchise. The polling, which began at 7 AM, would continue till 4 PM, but those who enter the polling station before the closing hour would be allowed to vote. A total of 12,09,439 voters including 580607 males, 628657 females and 175 transgenders are eligible to select their choice in 1721 polling stations from among 173 contestants. Altogether 381 polling stations are being supervised by all-women polling personnel. Four Assembly Constituencies -Singjamei, Yaiskul, Wangkhei and Churachandpur will be overseen by the women polling teams. The first phase will decide the fates of Chief Minister, N Biren, Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar and Speaker Y Khemchand. BJP is in the fray in 38 seats while Congress is contesting in 34 seats after having expelled its candidate, S Joy at Wangoi on Saturday. The Janata Dal- ted JD(U) has 28 candidates and NPP 27. Polling for the remaining 22 constituencies would be held in the second and final phase on March 5. The results would be declared on March 10. NS SSP
