Lamka, April 18: Even as the campaign for the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha election closed at 5 pm today, the heightened political activity usually experienced during election is conspicuous by its absence in Churachandpur district.

The subdued electioneering scene hanging over the town and its surrounding areas gelled well with that of the weather condition throughout this week-damp and gloomy.

While all candidates distributed posters and pamphlets, advertised through local newspapers and even held election meetings, none of them ventured outside the town area.

Most people in the Singngat, Thanlon and Tipaimukh sub divisions are yet to know the names of all the candidates and what they stand for.

Many people blamed the invisible hand of the numerous underground groups which patronize a particular candidate and ban others for the subdued electioneering process.

"The people do not matter in this election.

It is all about cosying up to various UG groups", a political activist acidly commented.

Many people also expressed doubt whether the election can be held as scheduled on Tuesday.

The heavy rains and storms which have been lashing the state for more than a week now, show no signs of abating.

With reports of landslides and road blocks trickling in from the hill areas, it is unlikely that polling personnel will be able to reach isolated villages on time.

Sources said that much of the security personnel sent for election duty in the hills are also yet to reach their stations as they are moving at a snail�s pace for fear of attack by the underground elements.