IMPHAL, January 11: Voter turnout for the 18 Municipal Councils and eight Nagar Panchayats covering four valley districts which went to polls today was recorded at more than 80 percent, although official statement is awaited.
Jiribam sub-division in Imphal East district recorded 77 percentage of voter turnout, while it is estimated to be between 85 to 88 percent in Thoubal district. Heirok Nagar Panchayat recorded a turnout of 96 percent.
At the same time, Kakching Khunou Municipal council ward no. 6 with 70.98 percent voter turnout had the lowest voting percentage in the district.
Voting remained peaceful in the district despite some stray incidents of disturbances being reported.
In ward no 3/1/1 of Lilong Municipal it has been reported that voting continued till 6.30 in the evening despite voting hours being only till 4pm.
Polling personnel have also started returning to the Thoubal Mini Secretariat till the filing of this report.
At 13/4 polling station for Thoubal Municipal Council at Thoubal Sabaltongba Mayai Leikai, a brief altercation ensued between the returning officer, voters and a candidate, however, it was soon brought to an understanding and voting continued normal.
Meanwhile a team of media persons had rushed to Mayang Imphal area after receiving information about altercations between supporters of Congress and BJP.
According to sources, the incidents occurred at 6/1 polling station of Ward no 1 and 10/1 polling station of Ward no 2.
It is alleged that at 6/1 polling station in Konchak Makha Leikai, the brother of State Works minister Kh Ratankumar had threatened a BJP worker identified as RK Dhana using his licenced gun.
Sources said Dhana was returning after casting his vote when the minister’s younger brother Kh Ngancha alias Niranjan’s vehicle came close to hitting him. Dhana asked the driver to drive carefully, at which Ngancha stopped his vehicle and threatened him using his gun, informed sources.
However, timely arrival of the Mayang Imphal police controlled the situation, said the source.
At Mayang Imphal 10/1 polling station, an under-aged boy was held trying to cast proxy leading to a tension between workers of the candidates. The situation was also brought under control by the police.
At the 4/2 polling station of Lamlai Municipal Council, a CPI supporter came to the polling station asked the presiding officer that she wanted to cast her vote for the party but was unable to find the symbol. It is alleged that the presiding officer had casted her vote for another independent candidate which angered the people and he was assaulted by a mob. However, Imphal East police personnel on guard brought the situation under control.
Jiribam under Imphal East District recorded 77 percentage turnout.
In Sugnu Municipal council out of nine polling stations no untoward incident was reported till the end of polling.
Speaking to media person many of the candidates claimed that they will work for the welfare of the public if they are elected and bring development in their constituency.
More than 80 percent voter turnouts were reported at Sekmai and Sugunu.
Casting of votes began at 8am and continued till 4pm.
The poll is conducted at 18 Municipal Councils and 8 Nagar Panchayat Elections namely Thoubal MC, Kakching MC, Lilong MC, Mayang Imphal MC, Nambol MC, Moirang MC, Ningthoukhong MC, Bishnupur MC, KakchingKhunou MC, Yairipok MC, Kumbi MC, Wangoi MC, Kwakta MC, WangjingLamding MC, ShikhongSekmai MC, Jiribam MC, Sugunu MC and Lamlai MC and Samurou NP, ThongkhongLaxmi Bazar NP, Liong Imphal West NP, Andro NP, Lamshang NP, Oinam NP, Sekmai NP and Heirok NP.
The civic poll covers 23 Assembly Segments of the valley districts of the state.
