Imphal, April 21: Following widespread cases of disturbance to poll personnel, des- truction of polling materials and snatching of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the first phase election yesterday the Manipur Government has decided to beef-up security arran- gement with deployment of additional forces.

In yesterday's election for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency violence marred smooth polling process by setting ablaze vehicles carrying poll personnel and attacks against security convoy at various places of the State.

According to Chief electoral Officer (CEO) number of security personnel for the Inner seat going to the poll on April 26 would be enhanced with the arrival of more central forces.

Declining further details into exact number of additional central forces, the CEO never- theless indicated that the num-ber would be increased substantially.

Compared to detailment of security force personnel for the Outer seat poll Inner seat election would require deeper instrospection with the proposed arrival of additional force and variation in deployment according to sensitiveness of polling areas, the CEO added.

In view of the threats from some underground organisation against the election the State Government had demanded 200 companies of para- military forces but till yesterday's election security personnel of 79 companies were utilised.

Meanwhile, a team of state police are conducting search operations to rescue the two BJP polling agents kidnapped on their way to polling stations 47/43 (A)&(B) in Senapati district, informed the district SP.

He said as soon as information were received of the kidnap police swung into action to rescue them and expressed con- fidence of their rescue soon.

Reacting to the incident, BJP national Secretary and MLA M Bhorot described the kidnapping as infringement upon democratic rights and attempt to breach smooth conduct of democratic norms.

On the declaration of the underground KYKL to root out BJP from manipur, Bhorot said the State unit of the party has not taken any decision so far on the issue.

Due to seriousness of the matter the State BJP had sent news clippings of the outfit's threat to the central party leaders, he said while adding that reply or recommendation from the central party leaders are still being awaited.