Over 35 percent votes polled till noon in Nagaland

Kohima, Mar 5 (UNI) Braving inclement weather, over 35 per cent electorate in Nagaland exercised their franchise for the 60-member assembly till noon today.

Sporadic incidents like bomb blast, intimidation to voters, heated argument between supporters of various candidates, attempts to capture booths and party clashes were reported from many parts of the state.

However, polling was overall peaceful till noon, official sources said.

Young boys and girls especially those voting for the first time, were seen standing in long queues outside the polling stations braving incessant rain.

The sky had cleared in the morning after rainfall since midnight.

However, as the day progressed the weather turned bad.

Few aged voters could be seen at the polling stations in the urban areas but the scene was different in the villages where senior citizens also came out in large numbers.

Sources said repolling was ordered in 10 polling stations under Zunheboto constituency and five under Satakha constituency.

A bomb blast was reported in Chukilan under Tyui constituency in Wokha district. However, there was no casualty.

Meanwhile, polling officials of a booth under Noklak constituency in Tuensang district could not reach the booth due to problem in the vehicle in which they were travelling.

Sources said three EVMs were damaged by some miscreants--two in Tyui and the other in Pfutsero under Phek district.

Sources, also added reports of polling were yet to come from several remote areas.

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