Imphal, September 30: Even though the by election for the Konthoujam AC is just around the corner, election carnpaigns and meetings have been greatly affected as most of the candidates have not been able to venture out freely due to threats issued by some unidentified persons over the telephone.

According to the candidates and some of the loyal party workers, most of the candidates have been summoned regularly by some unidentified persons through the telephone for talks.

They however said that none of the candidates have met the unidentified persons nor responded to their summons till today as the unidentified persons have failed to reveal their identities or the motives behind their summon.

They also reiterated that the threat of the unidentified persons have thoroughly affected the election campaigns and meeting as most of the candidates have not been able to move freely for fear of being attacked.

However, camera meetings and house campaigns have greatly increased in the last few days despite the threat of the unidentified persons, they added.

Six companies of security forces have already been deployed in the area and daily patrolling intensified to prevent any attempts of the UGs to disrupt the upcoming polls.

Security cover for the candidates have also been tightened following the threats of the UGs.

According to the Election Returning Officer L Heramani, none of the candidates have submitted any complaint till today regarding the developments following the threats and further said that rehearsal for the polling personnel are underway.

Five polling personnel would also be used in each polling station, added the RO.

Comment