4 killed, moderate turnout

Polling for the two Lok Sabha seats of Meghalaya —Shillong and Tura — passed off peacefully today amid apprehensions of disruption of the poll process by militants in Garo Hills. Garo Hills recorded a voter turnout of 60 per cent and Shillong 42 per cent.

Manipur recorded 50 per cent turnout in spite of several militant groups calling for boycott of the elections. Most parties and candidates were prevented from campaigning due to threats of attacks by the groups.

Four paramilitary personnel on poll duty were killed and three others were injured. Armed militants in Thoubal district under Outer Manipur constituency snatched polling materials away in eight booths, while election was postponed in three booths in Jiribam. Gunmen kidnapped polling officer of Geljang station and BJP election agents T. Lorho and K.N. Tennison from Churachandpur district.