85 pc turnout in repoll

Sources said that there had been a threat of ambush of security forces by militants. 8220;We needed to get more security in place before polls could be conducted at Kadi polling station. Three companies of central paramilitary forces will be deployed here,8221; sources said.

Security forces are on high alert after an ambush by militants in interior Bishnupur district killed 16 India Reserve Battalion personnel on Saturday. The IRB personnel were returning from poll-related law and order duty in bordering Tamenglong district.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports from Chandel said suspected NSCN I-M cadres had tried to intimidate voters from staying away from the polls. There were also reports of pressure being applied on the election officials to order repolls in more polling stations.

At a press conference, two Kuki RJD candidates from Chandel 8212; Chungsei Haokip and Thangkolun Haokip 8212; alleged that NSCN I-M cadres had prevented them from accessing polling stations in their respective constituencies. Rashmi said that Chungsei had lodged a complaint and added that the Chandel DEO8217;s report was awaited. However, senior state EC officials ruled out chances of any more repolls.