Imphal, February 16: Following the successful holding of repolls in 31 polling stations in the valley areas, the attention of the authorities have turned to the second phase of elections, due to be held on February 21, which will cover 20 Assembly constituencies in the five hill districts.

Altogether 179 candidates of various political parties are in the fray for the second phase of elections, including former chief minister Rishang Keishing and several ex-MLAs and ministers.

A total electorate of 582321 voters will exercise their franchise in the second phase polls including 10587 male voters and 11018 female voters.

Official sources admitted that there is apprehension of the possibility of more violence during the second phase than had taken place in valley districts, and accordingly security measures are being taken at an early stage.

The sources said there will be maximum possible deployment of both state and central forces in the hill districts a few days before the elections to control law and order situation.

The sources further said that transportations of election materials from district headquarters to remote polling stations will be done by helicopter.

Five choppers have been made available for the purpose by the Union home ministry and the Indian Air Force, the source said.

Meanwhile, according to a report from Churachandpur, polling personnel posted at interior polling stations will begin leaving the CCpur district headquarters from tomorrow morning.

Polling personnel posted at polling stations closer to the headquarters will depart from their post On February 19 and 20.A total of 236 polling officers, along with 200 reserve officers, are being utilized in the six constituencies of the district.