IMPHAL, April 17: Voting was delayed for several hours at Lambal Primary School polling station 17/29 under Lamsang AC, following protest lodged by voters of the area demanding the unconditional release of an agent of CPI reportedly arrested by Assam Rifles personnel.
The arrested agent is identified as Khaidem Deben Singh, 32, son of late Kh Ahal Singh of Lambal Makha Leikai, a driver by profession.
He was reportedly whisked away by 10 AR personnel situated at Singda Dam after midnight around 12.30 from his residence. Another person identified as Kabrabam Milan, 38, son of K Moirangningthou of Lambal Makha Leikai, was also arrested by the AR however released near Heibong Pokpi Salam Pandon in the wee hour today.
However, Deben was handed over to Lamsang Police station as a member of a militant.
Denouncing the act of the AR no voters showed up for voting as a mark of protest. At the same time, the protestor demanded the unconditional release of Deben claiming him to be innocent.
The protest was initiated by Lambal Nupi Lup, Lambal Lai Koubru Committee, Lambal Paradise Youth Club, Mayanglangjing Gram Panchayat, Mayang Langjing Zilla Parishad.
Late in the afternoon the wife of Lamsang MLA, Sumati, arrived at the area and pacify the situation. Owing to her intervention voting began from 1 pm however only 402 voters could cast their vote.