Over 60% polling till 1500 Hrs amid sporadic violence

Kohima, Mar 05 (UNI) Amid sporadic incidence of violence Nagaland reported over sixty per cent voting till 1500 hours today.

Reports of bomb blast, intimidation of voters, attempts to capture booths and clashes between political party workers came in from many parts of the state.

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

However, major incidents were avoided owing to tight security.

Official sources said repolling was ordered in ten polling stations under Zunheboto constituency and five under Satakha constituency.

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

Polling though was overall peaceful, the sources said.

A total of 12,99,888 electorate - 6,64,984 males and 6,35,904 females - will decide the fate of 218 candidates, including four women.

In the arena are twelve political parties and Independents.

Prominent among the candidates are Mr Neiphiu Rio(NPF) from Northern Angami-II in Kohima district. He headed the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Government before the President's rule was imposed in the state on January three.

EDS:Here pick suitably from earlier series.

UNI AS PL KLC1558