Elections in Nagaland most peaceful: Army

Kohima, Mar 6 (UNI) Security forces today announced that all efforts made to maintain law and order in Nagaland during yesterday's polling had been successful.

A Defence release here today stated that the security forces operating in the state, in close coordination with the state administration and the police, over the last couple of weeks, provided a perfect platform to the Nagas to exercise their franchise freely and without any coercion.

It also pointed out there has been a massive turnout of over 85 per cent with no major reports of violence or casualty, barring the damage to nine EVMs throughout the state.

It stated that search operations by the security forces for the last fortnight throughout the state had resulted in over 160 underground cadres being apprehended and recovery of over 60 weapons, 5,000 rounds of ammunitions, 6,000 bottles of IMFL and cash of Rs 1.6 crores, all of which had been handed over to the police and necessary FIRs and complaints lodged.

The money recovered has been associated with people carrying weapons, ammunitions or IMFL, otherwise, the money had been found in excessive, unexplained or unjustified amount.

The release stated that the efforts of the security forces in the state would ensure formation of the Government in accordance with the aspirations and the mandate of the people.

UNI AS LL YA PM1635