Heavy polling in naxal-hit district

Balaghat, MP, Nov 27 (UNI) Heavy polling was recorded in the Naxal-affected Balaghat district bordering Chhattisgarh with an average 50 per cent voters turnout till 1500 hrs in five constituencies.

Official sources said voting was progressing peacefully and no untoward incident had been reported from any place.

Polling commenced two hours late following malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Lanji constituency's three booths -- Keregaon, Kandarikala and Akola village.

Neighbouring Mandla, Dindori, Sidhi and Shahdol districts bordering Chhattisgarh are also Naxal-affected and heavy security arrangements have been made for the polling in there areas.

In Chhattiisgarh, where three-fourth districts are in the grip of Naxals, heavy polling is reported despite the Maoist-Naxalites' call for poll boycott.

UNI Team-KV SP ARB BD1700