Manipur goes to polls amid terror alert

Imphal, Jan 28: Voters lined up outside polling booths across Manipur to exercise their democratic power as the polls opened in the wee hours of Saturday, Jan 28. Voting at 2,357 polling stations began at 7 am in the morning and will close at 4 pm.

The Manipur election process began a day after a terror alert was sounded by Home Ministry. Hence, heavy security arrangements have been pressed into surveillance to keep notorious activities at bay. According to sources, only central para-military personnel have been put on manning duty at polling stations, however, state forces will also join the central squad if required.

On the Republic Day (Jan 26), just two days ahead of the scheduled polling, there was a low intensity blast at Thumbuthong outside a government office. That gripped the whole state though there were no casualties.

Sources within the Home Ministry have stated that they have information that the banned terror outfit 'National Socialist Council of Nagaland' (NSCN) is interfering in the poll process in the state and claim to be openly supporting the Naga people's front. The NSCN had also called for a 36-hour bandh bringing trading and commercial activities to a standstill.

OneIndia News