ECI declares to keep Suruhoto re-poll 'in abeyance'

Kohima, Mar 10 (UNI) After attempts since the past three days to hold the re-poll in a polling station under Suruhoto Assembly constituency, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to keep the re-poll in the constituency 'in abeyance'.

Nagaland Election Secretariat sources said here today that re-polling to the polling station under Suruhoto constituency of Zunheboto district was ordered on March 7, but the polling officials could not reach the polling station.

Later, the polling officials were airlifted on March 7 and re-polling was ordered on March 8, but it could not be taken up till March 9 due to some internal disturbances.

Subsequently, the Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer referred the case to the ECI, which decided to keep the re-polling 'in abeyance'.

Meanwhile, widespread violence was reported from the Suruhoto constituency, where supporters of Congress candidate Khutovi and Independent candidate Shetoyi Sumi indulged in group clashes, which left one person dead and over 90 injured.

The Zunheboto district administration was compelled to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC and heavy security was deployed to stop further violence.

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