Northeast Desk, 25th April: In preparation for the second phase of polling in Outer Manipur on April 26, stringent security measures have been implemented. With 857 polling stations set up across the region, authorities have deployed 87 companies of paramilitary forces and over 4,000 state police personnel to ensure a secure electoral process.
Chief Electoral Officer Pradeep Kumar Jha highlighted the extensive security arrangements, including the deployment of 87 companies of central paramilitary forces and a significant contingent of state police forces. Additionally, efforts towards gender inclusivity are evident, with 191 polling stations exclusively managed by women polling personnel.
The decision to conduct polling in two phases in Outer Manipur was influenced by security concerns, particularly in areas with a history of ethnic clashes. The upcoming phase will cover segments of Outer Manipur that did not participate in the initial voting phase on April 19.
Earlier incidents of violence and vandalism during the initial phase led to re-polling in 11 polling stations of Inner Manipur, ensuring a fair electoral process.
In the upcoming elections, the Outer Manipur constituency, currently held by Lorho Phoze of the Naga People Front, will witness competition between Kachui Timothy Zimik, the NPF candidate supported by the BJP-led NDA alliance, and Congress MLA Alfred K Arthur, representing the joint Opposition candidate of the INDIA bloc.
The voter turnout in Manipur on April 19 exceeded 69 per cent, reflecting active participation in the democratic process. With the remaining 13 segments of Outer Manipur scheduled for voting on April 26, the stage is set for a significant electoral event, with the counting of votes slated for June 4.
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