80 per cent polling in Manipur

An estimated 80 per cent votes were cast in the third and final phase of Manipur assembly elections in 12 constituencies on Friday during which a person was injured in police firing.

Official sources said Tamenglong and Chandel districts recorded 85 per cent polling while 80 per cent votes were cast in Churachandpur district. In Jiribam assembly constituency in Imphal East district, about 70 per cent votes were cast, sources said.

Attempts to snatch electronic voting machines were reported from some polling stations, they said.

In Tengnoupal assembly constituency, police opened fire when a man attempted to snatch an EVM, sources said, adding that he sustained bullet injuries.     

Three EVMs were destroyed by supporters of different candidates at polling stations at Khangsang, Korungthel and Churachandpur, sources added.

Heavy exchange of fire was reported between the rival NSCN factions in Makoinung polling station in Tamenglong district, the sources said. There was no report of any casualty.      

While NSCN-K has 'banned' elections in Tamenglong constituency, NSCN-IM has imposed 'curfew' there.

Friday's voting will decide the fate of state Congress president Gaikhangam, Tribal development minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Information Minister TN Haokip, number two in the Okram Ibobi government Th Devendra and many others.

Congress is contesting in 11 seats, LJSP-9, RJD-6 National Congress Party in 5, SP-5, BJP has three candidates, CPI 4, Manipur People's Party (MPP) 3, NPP-3, SAP-2, JD(U)-1, PDA-1, and Independents 23.