Final phase of polling in Manipur begins

Imphal, Feb 23 (UNI) Polling for the third and final phase of elections to 12 Assembly constituencies in Manipur began at 0700 hrs today amid massive security arrangements.

Polling is being held in three districts of Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Chandel and Jiribam sub-divisions.

Despite a bandh call, given by the Joint Action Committee over the death of a pregnant woman in a hospital, large queues dominated by women voters were seen before most of the polling booths as soon as the voting started, election office sources said.

Over 3.5 lakh voters are expected to exercise their franchise in the final phase of the three-phased Manipur Assembly elections.

The first phase was held in 19 Assembly constituencies on February 8 and the second in 29 on February 14.

Chief Electoral Officer R R Rashmi said specific barricades for checking movement of people had been set up by the police and adequate security arrangements had been taken up.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has called a general strike today to protest the death of a pregnant woman M Sangkhu at RIMS here, recently.

Today's voting would decide the fate of state Congress president Gaikhangam, Tribal development minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Information Minister TN Haokip, number two in the Okram Ibobi government Th Devendra and many others.

There are two women candidates. Chandel has the maximum of ten candidates while Singhat has three candidates.

Congress is contesting in 11 seats, LJSP-9, RJD-6 National Congress Party in 5, SP-5, BJP has three candidates, CPI 4, Manipur People's Party (MPP) 3, NPP-3, SAP-2, JD(U)-1, PDA-1, and Independents 23.

UNI