Imphal, April 23 2009: HIGH SECURITY alert in the state of Manipur especially in the Imphal area prior to the 15th Lok Sabha elections in the state paid off with no serious untoward incidents reported during the two phase elections held in the state.

Security forces of the state, prior to the elections, conducted a series of mass cordon operation in the Imphal area in order to make sure no untoward incident occurred during the elections.

In the build-up to the 15th Lok Sabha elections in the state, threats began to pour in from anti-social elements against the various political parties especially the Congress with its block committee leaders and offices falling victims to the attacks of militant outfits of the state.

As per reports, at least three Congress block committee leaders were attacked in the built up to the election besides their offices being attacked.

Following such incidents, security was tightened up in the state and as seen on the days of the polling, it paid off with no unwanted incidents having occurred.

During the time, security forces in the state especially in the Imphal valley conducted a series of mass cordon operation.

The operations conducted mainly in the bazaar areas such as the Thangal bazaar, Paona bazaar saw hundreds of people being lined up and scrutinised.

Though it was 'Men only' earlier, with the elections drawing closer by the day, even women and children were seen joining the line to be 'verified'.

Though no arrests were made during such operations, as per reports, it definitely alerted one and all on security matters in view of the upcoming elections.

It may be reminded here, panic struck the Imphal area for atleast two days in the beginning of April following three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) being detected in the capital.

Though the bombs were safely defused by the Manipur police bomb squad, it definitely drove fear into the veins of the people and this could have perhaps prevented some people to come forward to practice their franchise.

However, thanks to the security check up prior to the voting, Manipur saw a total of about 75 percent turnout in the elections, both for the Outer and Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency.

Besides these, certain reports had it the "Operation Summer Storm" was also a check to prevent any disturbances from outfits in the elections.

The operation carried out by combined forces at the Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park of Bishnupur district in Manipur against the militants taking shelter in the area also saw at least 12 (twelve) militants being killed in the operation.

And thanks to all these steps, Manipur witness a peaceful and successful election of the 15th Lok Sabha.

Except for some stray incidents, no major untoward incidents or poll violence were reported from any of the polling stations in the state.

It may be reminded here the Outer Manipur went to polls during the 1st phase of the nationwide polls on April 16 wherein about 9.09 lakh voters sealed the fate of nine candidates in 1223 polling stations.

The Inner Manipur went to polls on Wednesday, April 22 wherein 8.2 lakh voters decided the fate of seven candidates.

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