Manipur records 80 per cent polling in final phase

Imphal, Feb 23 (UNI) An estimated 80 per cent polling was recorded in today's third and final phase election to 12 Assembly seats of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel districts and Jiribam sub-division of Imphal East district.

Election office sources here said Tamenglong and Chandel districts accounted for 85 per cent, while Churachandpur district recorded 80 per cent polling.

Jiribam sub-division registered 70 per cent turnout, the sources added.

Suspected ultras fired at a polling station in Tamenglong, about 50 km from here, disrupting voting for some time. Clashes were also reported between workers of two candidates at Chandel district which were quickly brought under control.

In Tengnoupal Assembly constituency, police had to open fire when some miscreants made an abortive attempt to snatch EVMs, but none was injured.

However, in Khangsang Assembly seat, three EVMs were destroyed by some unidentified elements.

State Chief Electoral Officer R R Rashmi said voting began at 0700 hrs and ended at 1530 hrs.

There were 75 candidates, including 23 Independents, in the fray at about 515 polling stations. The Congress contested in 11 seats, LJSP-nine, RJD-six, NCP-five, SP-five, BJP-three, CPI-four, Manipur People's Party-three, NPP-three, SAP-two, JD(U)-one and PDA-one..

Mr Rashmi said it would take some time to get the exact details as about 100 polling stations had no roads and election officials had to walk for five to 25 kms. Helicopters and boats will be used to transport the EVMs and poll officials, the CEO added.

Special arrangements were made to bring about 4,700 villagers at Chandel district, affected by fighting between militants and the security forces. The villagers were allowed to vote at Laijang and Holejang villages at Chandel.

Elections for the 60-member Assembly were held in three phases, the earlier two being on February 8 and 14.

The CEO said barricades for checking movement of people had been set up by the police and adequate security arrangements made.

Eds: Here pick suitably from earlier series.

UNI