Manipur records over 75 per cent polling in final phase

Imphal, Feb 23 (UNI) An estimated 75 per cent of the over 3,50,000 voters exercised their franchise today in the third and final phase of elections to 12 Manipur Assembly constituencies at Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel districts and Jiribam sub-divisions.

Suspected ultras fired at a polling station in Tamenglong, about 150 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. However, by and large the election was peaceful.

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 poll 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.

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UNI