Imphal: Incidents of intimidation and gunfire have been reported at a couple of locations within the Inner Manipur constituency during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, officials stated on Friday.
In the Thamnapokpi area under Moirang constituency in Bishnupur district, armed individuals discharged multiple rounds of gunfire near a polling station, inciting voters to disperse in panic, according to the police. In response, additional security forces were dispatched to manage the situation.
Unknown armed groups also menaced election representatives of a specific political party across various sites, instructing them to vacate the polling stations.
In Uripok and Iroishemba in the Imphal West district, armed groups directed party agents to leave the premises of polling stations, according to an official.
“Outraged by the threats, voters at Iroishemba forced their way into polling stations, causing destruction to electoral materials and equipment,” reported the official.
In the Kiyamgei area of Imphal East district’s Keirao constituency, armed groups fired warning shots and threatened Congress polling agents. Earlier in the day, a confrontation between voters and unidentified men erupted at Khongman Zone 4 in Imphal East district, resulting in the damage of EVMs.
Meanwhile, several zones in Kuki-majority constituencies in Outer Manipur observed low turnout as of 1 p.m. Saitu and Saikul constituencies in Kangpokpi district reported turnouts of 13.22% and 8.58%, respectively, according to officials.
Henglep in Churachandpur district registered the highest voter participation in all Kuki-majority constituencies at 49%. The Churachandpur constituency, meanwhile, recorded a voter turnout of 43.67%.
Chandel constituency, home to both Naga and Kuki voters, achieved a turnout rate of 68.63%. Meitei-dominated constituencies in Outer Manipur exhibited slightly higher turnout rates than Kuki-majority areas.
Khangabok in Thoubal district saw a voter turnout of 52.68%, officials reported. Voting continues in 15 of the 28 constituencies within Outer Manipur on Friday.
