20 Apr. 24
On the day of elections in Manipur, multiple incidents of unrest were reported across Bishnupur, Imphal East, and Imphal West districts, including vandalism of polling booths, damage to voting machines by irate voters, firing exchanges between rival groups, and clashes among party supporters, resulting in injuries to six individuals, as multiple reports say citing police sources.
Election officials are currently gathering information on these incidents from various parts of the state.
Amid nearly year-long ethnic turmoil, significant security measures were put in place with the deployment of central forces, state police, and Manipur Police commandos to prevent any outbreaks of violence.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, accompanied by his spouse, cast his vote at Srivan Higher Secondary School Polling Station. Other leaders also exercised their franchise early in the morning at different polling stations.
Expressing optimism about the electoral prospects, Chief Minister Biren Singh emphasized the importance of this election in safeguarding the indigenous populace, ensuring state integrity, and restoring peace promptly. He voiced support for the BJP candidate in the Inner Manipur seat and the Naga People’s Front (NPF) contender in the Outer Manipur constituency.
Voting commenced at 7 a.m. across the entire Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat and 15 of the 28 Assembly segments of the Outer Manipur (ST) parliamentary constituency, lasting until 4 p.m.
The remaining 13 Assembly segments of the Outer Manipur (ST) seat are scheduled for voting in the second phase on April 26.
Over 15.44 lakh eligible voters, including 8.02 lakh females, participated in deciding the fate of 10 candidates contesting in the two Lok Sabha seats – six in Inner Manipur and four in Outer Manipur (ST).
The main electoral battle is between the BJP-Naga People’s Front (NPF) alliance and the Congress-led INDIA bloc.
In the Inner Manipur seat, the ruling BJP fielded Education Minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh against Congress nominee Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. Meanwhile, in the Outer Manipur (ST) seat, the BJP extended its support to ally NPF’s nominee Kachui Timothy Zimik, who is contesting against Congress’ Alfred Kanngam S. Arthur.
To accommodate those affected by ethnic violence, the Election Commission established 85 special polling stations in seven districts – Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi. A majority of the 18,091 internally displaced voters residing in relief camps across these districts exercised their voting rights at these special polling stations.
A workforce of over 8,000 polling personnel was deployed to oversee elections at 2,107 polling stations.
