Congress candidate kidnapped, released; six EVMs damaged

Itanagar, April 9: Congress candidate for Konsa (W) legislative assembly in troubled Tirap district was today allegedly kidnapped by ultras while six EVMs were damaged in three districts during the polling to two Lok Sabha and 60 assembly seats in the state, official said.

Yumsum Matey representing Khonsa West was allegedly kidnapped in the morning by underground elements but later returned safely after intervention by the security forces, IGP (Law and order) Satyendra Garg said.

Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Eastern Arunachal are declared disturbed under the Disturb Area Act because of insurgency which adequate security including central para military forces were deployed for smooth conduct of the polls, Garg informed.

Six EVMs in three districts, Polsorang polling booth in remote Kurung Kumey, Bat under Upper Subansiri and one in East Kameng district were reportedly damaged by supporters of various political parties, he said adding, EVMs at the last booth were replaced to resume polling.

When contacted, the Election office sources said that details are still awaited. Two EVMs were reportedly snatched away by miscreants on April 7 last at Tali in Kurung Kumey district but EVMs in reserve were sent there.

Polling at Hasse Russa and Kamkuh Russa booths under Londing district bordering Sivsagar district of Assam were stalled on ground of disputed area by people and police from the neighbouring state.

However, polling resumed after both booths were shifted to non-disputed areas in the state's territory, Garg said.

PTI