40 per cent polling by noon in Manipur elections

Imphal, Feb 14 (UNI) About 40 per cent polling was reported by noon today in the second phase of elections held in 29 Assembly segments in Imphal East, West and Bishenpur districts of Manipur.

Polling started at 0700 hrs amid heavy rainfall and massive security arrangements.

It is still raining, but not as torrentially as it was in the morning. People had problems reaching the polling stations, with ankle-deep water on the roads.

Due to absence of power, candles were being used by the poll officials to guide the voters. Police said so far no major election-related incident was reported except that of a minor clash between workers of two candidates at Nambol, Bishenpur.

Officials said more voters were expected later in the afternoon.

Large numbers of security personnel were posted in all polling stations and all stations were guarded by armed personnel.

Officials said all critical incidents will be videographed using digital cameras and cameras were randomly used to film the poll process.

EDS: Pls pick up suitably from previous series.

UNI