Second phase of Manipur polls begin amid heavy rains

Imphal, Feb 14 (UNI) The second phase of elections in 29 Assembly segments at Imphal East, West and Bishenpur districts began today at 0700 hrs amid heavy rainfall and massive security arrangements.

Long queues were seen as people, braving the rains and chill, lined up to vote. The first phase of election on February 8 was also affected by heavy rainfall.

Heavy showers lashed Manipur since last night.

Each polling station was guarded by armed security personnel.

Police said so far no untoward incident has been reported.

Voting will continue till 1530 hrs. The fate of three former Chief Ministers -- RJD state President W Nipamacha (Wangoi), R K Dorendro of Manipur Peoples' Party (MPP) (Yaiskul) and NCP chief Radhabinod Koijam (Thangmeiband) -- will be decided in today's elections to be held in 29 Assembly segments of Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishenpur districts.

A man lodged at Tihar Jail, Th Shyam will also contest at Andro as a candidate of MPP. He was arrested at Delhi Airport for alleged connections with militants on his way to Nepal.

A total of 388925 women and 349754 men, totalling 738679 voters will exercise their franchise in 827 polling stations. Six women candidates are in the fray. A total of 155 candidates are in the fray in the second phase.

Congress has 29 candidates, BJP nine, CPI 16, CPI(M) one, NCP 17, MPP 25, RJD-17, JD(U)-one, JD(S)-two, LJSP-seven, SP-13, SAP-two, MSCP-four, NPP-one, AIFB-two, Independents 8.

The second phase of elections will be concentrated in the Manipur valley and will be the biggest of the three-phase elections. In the first phase of elections held on February 8 in 19 Assembly segments at Thoubal, Ukhrul and Senapati districts, 85 per cent polling was reported.

The third phase of elections will be held on February 23 at 12 Assembly segments of Jiribam sub division, Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel districts.

UNI