Despite rains Manipur registers 70% polling in second phase

Imphal, Feb 14(UNI) Barring a few minor incidents, the second phase of elections to 29 assembly seats of three districts in Manipur passed off peacefully today, recording an estimated 70 per cent turnout.

Election officials here said polling ended at 1530 hours in the three districts of Imphal East, West and Bishenpur.

Polling started at 0700 hours amid heavy rainfall and massive security arrangements. People had problems walking inside the polling stations in ankle deep water.

Election officials said though the voting ended at 1530 hours, polling percentage might vary depending on the arrival of reports from far flung areas.

According to Election officers and police reports no untoward incidents were reported. However, there were some reports of clashes at Nambol, Patsoi, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa.

A large number of security personnel were posted in all polling stations and guarded by armed personnel. The 'sensitive' and 'hyper sensitive' booths were manned by two or more sections of armed personnel.

Police said commandos were kept at reserve to rush to sensitive areas.

Polling officials and agents of candidates said due to absence of power at some places, the poll process was conducted by using candles.

Polling booths were mostly affected by heavy rainfall and approach roads were waterlogged.

The polling started in the morning with a few people exercising their franchise. But as the day progressed, people, braving heavy rainfall, stood in long queues to cast their votes.

However, in some polling stations there were hardly any voters due to the weather.

All the educational institutions were closed today. All the markets, especially the Khwairamband Keithel at Imphal, were completely closed.

The total numbers of voters were 738679, of which 388925 were women and 349754 men.

They voted in 827 polling stations. Six women candidates are in the fray of the total 155 candidates.

Indian National Congress has fielded 29 candidates, BJP 9, CPI 16, CPI(M) 1, NCP 17, MPP 25, RJD-17, JD(U)-1, JD(S)-2, LJSP-7, SP-13, SAP-2 MSCP-4, NPP-1, AIFB-2, Independents 8.

UNI