Vandalism marred re-poll in Tamei polling booths
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, March 05 2012: Re-poll in four polling booths of Tamei Assembly Constituency under Tamenglong district on Monday witnessed vandalism with at least two EVMs destroyed allegedly by supporters of Congress and Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) at two different polling booths.

Meanwhile, it has been alleged that one EVM was sealed by securitymen well ahead of the time given for voting ended at Paldai polling booth under Chandel constituency yesterday.

Re-poll in the four polling stations of Makuilong, Lemtak, Kadi and Dulong under Tamei constituncy were held on Monday.

Re-poll to these polling booths were supposed to be conducted yesterday along with other 63 polling stations, but it was put off due to heavy rain and landslides which prevented the polling personnel to reach in time their respective polling stations.

Sources said two EVMs were damaged at Lamta polling station by supporters of Indian National Congress (INC) and another at Kadi polling station, but this time allegedly by workers of MSCP.

The incidents occurred just before the ending of the period for casting vote, which ended at 3 pm, at the two polling booths.

However, the damaged voting machine at Kadi polling booth was replaced by another and the polling continued and ended peacefully, official sources said.

But, no details were available from the State election office regarding Lamta polling booth.

In an unrelated incident that took place at Paldai polling station under Chandel constituency which went to re-poll yesterday, one EVM along with one polling officer were picked up by a police team led by an Additional Superintendent of Police of Thoubal district well ahead of the voting period ended and the security team allegedly sealed the voting machine, a source informed.

Election to the 60-member Manipur Assembly was held on January 28 last.

The fate of 278 candidates would be decided tomorrow as counting of votes would begin at 8 am tomorrow.

Comment