90 percent turnout in Thoubal and Kakching Panchayat elections

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 7

Voting was at least 90 percent at Thoubal and Kakching district for the 5th general Panchayat elections conducted by Manipur State Election Commission.

Under Thoubal district, three ballot boxes were set ablaze at Irong and numbers of tear gas shells were fired at Salungfam to control an unruly mob, while ballots boxes and other items kept in the polling booth were scattered by miscreants at Sangaiyumfam.

In today’s election, the voters came out from early morning and stood making long queues at several polling booths under the heat of the day and cast their votes.

Around 10.30 am at the polling station number 2/3/16, Irong Thockhom Moirang LP School under Leisanghthem GP, three ballot boxes were torched after an altercation took place amongst the supporters of two ward member candidates

On the other hand, ballot papers were ripped and torn at polling stations number 8/20/10, 4/20/11 and 8/20/7 of Sangaiyumfam part II under Khangabok assembly constituency, after altercations took place amongst supporters of different zilla parishad candidates over the allegations that proxy votes were being cast.

It is expected that the district election officer, deputy commissioner, Thoubal district L. Nabakiswar may recommend re-polling of these mentioned polling booths.

Meanwhile, at the polling station number 5/12/4 installed at Salungfam Kangyebam Thokchao LP School under Heirok assembly constituency, altercations took place between zilla parishad candidates which resulted in hurling of stones between groups.

The situations worsened as the skirmish resulted in making attempts to snatch ballot boxes inside the booths.  A police force led by SP, K Meghachandra, Thoubal district police immediately rushed at the spot to control the situation which was getting out of hand.

Several tear gas shells were fired and mock bombs exploded in attempts to control the unruly mob.

After the police were able to control the situation, additional forces were brought in and the voters were made to resume the voting. It may be mentioned that the election was conducted peacefully at Thoubal district overall.   

The five teams of women polling personnel who went to perform their election duties for the first time, and the remaining polling personnel returned safe and sound at Thoubal DC complex around 9 pm.

As for Kakching district, the election was performed without any incident of violence and unwanted incidents where the votes were casted at the rate of 90 percent by the voters.

The ballot boxes which will decide the fate of the candidates were moved to the strong room of Thoubal district complex and Kakching Indoor stadium of Kakching district.

The votes will be counted on October 11.