Imphal, October 12: Even as the voters of Konthoujam AC are caught in a dilemma over whether to exercise their right of who should represent them or abide by the boycott call given by the Apunba Lup with the AFSPA hanging in the backdrop, the mood prevailing on the eve of polling indicates favorable turnout tomorrow.

Amid tight security arrangements and some allegations of police commandos indulging in threat and harassing supporters of non-ruling party candidates, the stage seems set for tomorrow�s by-election.

If lukewarm response in Konthoujam AC area to today�s mass sit-in-protest called by the Apunba Lup to denounce the by-poll is any indication, the electorates are ready to swarm the polling stations in defiance of the boycott call.

Most of the hardened political parties� workers and a good number of the public, rather than joining the protest, could be seen making last ditch efforts to encourage the electorate cast votes in high number till late evening.

To enable voters exercise their franchise without any fear or intimation security force personnel - mainly BSF men - have taken positions in almost every polling stations with temporary bunkers erected so as to shield themselves from possible armed offensive.

State police force personnel have also intensified patrolling and frisking operations at strategic locations throughout the assembly constituency.

Most candidates� residence also resembled festive look with common citizens joining the merriment that is reminiscent of every election phenomena in the State.

While some more active workers/supporters are found engaged in chalking out last minute strategy to secure maximum votes ordinary electorates could be seen involved in argumentative discussions mostly based on amateurish speculation and inept calculation.

Regarding possible voters turnout, Indian National Congress candidate Dr S Budhichandra expressed confidence of the number reaching the 70 to 80 percent mark.

NCP�s H Thoithoi and independent candidate S Ibobi also commented that with expectation of developing Konthoujam area very high on the people�s agenda the turnout might be between moderate to high.

When some electorates owing allegiance to non-INC candidates were asked to comment on security arrangements for the by-election, they were unanimous in alleging that state police force, particularly plain-clothed commando personnel provocatively questioning for whom the electorates are canvassing.

If the reply do not endorse SPF Govt�s nominee, abuse and thrashing has become a regular exercise for the last few days, they charged.

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