Poll personnel killed in accidental firing.
With the conclusion of the first phase of Manipur Assembly elections on Monday, the state recorded an average voter turnout of 78.30%, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI). The government data shows that the highest voter turnout of 84.25 per cent was witnessed in Imphal West, followed by 83.38% in Kangpokpi. Other districts like Imphal East and Bishnupur recorded an average voter turnout of 76.64% and 74.25% respectively. The lowest voter turnout of 71.53% was recorded in Churachandpur.
Reportedly, clashes broke out between Congress and BJP supporters in Keithelmanbi after Congress raised allegations of booth capturing. A total of 173 candidates, including 15 women, are in the fray for the poll.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is contesting from his traditional home seat, Heingang constituency of Imphal East. Notably, the Chief Minister is seeking the fifth term in Manipur. Notably, this time the BJP decided to go solo and is contesting all 60 seats alone.
On the other hand, Congress has formed an alliance of six political parties and named it Manipur Progressive Secular Alliance (MPSA). The coalition partners in MPSA include Congress, Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), and Janata Dal (Secular). The second phase of this 60-member Assembly will take place on 5 March. The counting of votes will take place on 10 March.
Meanwhile, a Manipur Police personnel, who was on poll duty on Monday, was killed in a “suspected case of accidental firing” from his service rifle during the first phase of Assembly elections to 38 seats in the northeastern state, chief electoral officer (CEO) Rajesh Agarwal said. The incident took place in Tipaimukh Assembly constituency in Churachandpur district. The police personnel was identified as Naorem Ibochouba, a resident of Kakching district, he said. Agarwal condoled the death of the police personnel, and said that his body has been airlifted to Imphal and sent to a state-run hospital for autopsy, the officer added.
Earlier, as the first phase of Manipur Assembly elections began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Monday urged all voters, especially the young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, “Urging all those voting today in the first phase of the Manipur Assembly elections to turnout in record numbers and cast their vote. I particularly call upon the young and first time voters to exercise their franchise.”