Violence, strikes mark panchayat, ZP polls in Manipur

In the 48 hours preceding the elections, a number of violent incidents were reported across the state. A saw mill and vehicle of a Nepali candidate were set on fire by alleged supporters of the SHDDC in Saperneina, while incensed locals reacted to a counter-insurgency operation by Assam Rifles in Thoubal district by torching two AR vehicles and locking up 16 personnel for several hours. On election day, there were reports of polling being countermanded in many booths due to polling material being destroyed by clashing supporters. In at least 12 polling stations in Imphal East district and three in Imphal West, all polling materials were destroyed.

The state Government is using the services of the state police and home guards to ensure security for the voters. According to the State Election Department, most of the polling stations were manned by unarmed state police personnel, except 11 stations in the sensitive Saikul area.

In all 9,270 polling personnel have been deployed across 1,545 polling stations, apart from the security cover.

Winners in these elections will occupy 60 zilla parishad seats, 165 posts of Pradhan and 1,543 slots in gram panchayats. Among these, four Pradhans and 344 gram panchayat members have already been elected unopposed. The State Election Commission was in the process of compiling the day8217;s proceedings at the time of filing this report.