Imphal, Jan 27: On the eve of polls to the 10th Manipur Assembly, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PC Lawmkunga said today that at least eight people had died in poll related violence in Manipur and 121 violent incidents took place since election notification was issued.
The administration seized over Rs 1 crore of unaccounted cash, which was reportedly meant for bribing voters, from different places of the State, the CEO told the media at a press conference here, adding that about 30 weapons, including country-made small arms and 770 ammunition were also seized across the State.
The Excise Department also seized 43,890 litres of both local and Indian made foreign liquors, 3,800 mg of heroin and 360 spasmo proximo capsules during the pre-poll period, Lawmkunga said.
The CEO then said two choppers—one MI-17 and another Chetak-4—are being arranged for emergency use and one station each at Imphal and Leimakhong will also be provided to the two choppers. The choppers will be used in transportation of casualties in poll related violence and EVMs, and polling personnel in and from hill districts.In tomorrow’s elections, a total of 17, 41,581 electors will decide the fate of 281 candidates, including 15 women, the CEO said.
He also said 41-Chandel Constituency has the largest number of polling stations with 49 in total and the 13-Singjamei Constituency has the least number of polling stations with only 13. Vagai Range in Churachandpur having 18 polling stations is the remotest area and that polling officers have to cross a river by boat to reach their destination, Lawmkunga added.Web-casting will be done in respect of 60 polling stations, mostly in valley district due to electricity problem, but 2357 camera has also been issued for taking photograph of voters during voting process.
Informing that according to the instruction given by Election Commission of India (ECI), all the militant cadres under Suspension of Operations (SoO) should remain confined in their respective designated camps, the CEO said 167 militants who are considered genuine voters will be exercising their votes in the general elections.
Responding to a query from reporters about Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidates being supported by NSCN-IM in the hill districts, he said he cannot officially confirm the report as yet.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/eight-died-in-poll-related-violence/
