Imphal, February 04: For the first phase polling scheduled on February 8, polling officials and security personnel have started leaving for their designated polling stations.

A team of poll officials and security personnel left for four polling stations in Ukhrul district today.

Another team will leave for four other polling stations tomorrow.

Taking into consideration the bad road conditions in the remote areas of Ukhrul district, poll officials and security personnel left for 43/45 Chamu, 44/38 Ronsak, 44/40 Pushing and 44/50 Khayang polling stations on foot today, informed a reliable source.

The officials and security personnel would have to walk at least 40 kms to reach these villages.

Another team of poll officials and security personnel would set off on a foot journey to 43/42 Chaohong Khullel, 43/43 Chatri Khullel, 43/44 Chatri Khunou and 44/45 Maokot polling stations.

Of the 73 sensitive and 65 hyper sensitive polling stations of Ukhrul district, 18 polling stations would be manned by three sections of central para military forces each, 80 would be manned by two sections each while one section each of para military forces would be deployed at the remaining polling stations.

Two sections of para military forces would be deployed in each of the 50 polling stations of Senapati district's total of 279.The remaining polling stations would be manned by one section each.

Out of 120 polling stations in Tamenglong district, 30 would be guarded by three sections each of central para military forces, two sections each in 50 polling stations while one section each would be deployed in the remaining polling stations.

Director, DPIR and I/E SP directed to remove hoardings, flags : Observing that signboards and hoardings depicting achievements of the SPF Government put up in different public places like in front of the MPCC office (near Johnstone Hr Sec School), Chief Minister's bungalow, near DC's office Lamphelpat, airport road etc violate the model code of conduct as envisaged by the Election Commission of India, the DC/DEO Imphal West has asked the Director, Information and Public Relations to remove such signboards and hoardings.

Likewise, taking serious note of putting up flags by several political parties at Lamlong Bazar, along Ayangpalli road, Kongba Bazar, Tellipati, Maryland, Khongman, Kongba, Tinsid road etc, DC Imphal East has also directed the SP of the district to undertake a special drive against putting up flags and posters in public places.

The DC further asked all drivers on whose vehicles, flags of political parties have been attached without permission from authority to report to the police stations.

Samata Party leaders arrive: Joining other leaders of different National political parties.

former Defence Minister George Fernandes arrived at Imphal today to campaign for Samata Party, informed a release.

George Fernendes is accompanied by former president of Samata Party Jaya Jaitely and the party's National general secretary Siva Kumar.

The three leaders would participate in the flag hoisting ceremony of Samata Party candidate in Sekmai A/C Moirangthem Ibomcha at his Sekmai Bazar residence tomorrow.

Before leaving Imphal, they would address an election meeting on the flag hoisting ceremony of Samata Party candidate in Uripok A/C Nameirakpam Nodiachand at his Uripok Yambem Leikai residence on February 6, it added.

BSP to campaign for MPP: To ensure the success of the Manipur People�s Party (MPP) in the upcoming election, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will start campaigning for MPP, acting president of BSP State unit N Kabita has announced.

Announcing the party�s decision to campaign for the MPP during a press conference at Manipur Press Club this afternoon, Kabita explained BSP decided to back the MPP as its main objective is to strengthen the forces in the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly election and added that the high command of the party has also given its approval in this regard.

Responding to a question, Kabita informed BSP would not field any candidate this time.

However, it would join hands with MPP and campaign for the latter.

Sonia Gandhi to address two public meetings today: AICC president Sonia Gandhi who will arrive here tomorrow on a one day visit to campaign for the Congress will address public meetings at Kodompokpi Sports Ground (Wangjing) at 12 pm and Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal at 2 pm.

She will leave Imphal in the afternoon.