The ongoing Lok Sabha polls in the Inner Manipur constituency have been marred by incidents of intimidation and violence, casting a shadow over the electoral process. Armed assailants unleashed chaos at multiple polling stations, instilling fear and disrupting the voting process.
In Thamnapokpi, voters were forced to flee as armed men fired shots near a polling booth, prompting the swift deployment of additional security personnel to restore order. Similar acts of intimidation were reported in Uripok and Iroishemba, where armed individuals coerced party agents and voters, leading to damage of election equipment in some instances.
At Kiyamgei, armed assailants fired blank shots and intimidated Congress polling agents, adding to the atmosphere of fear and unrest. A firing incident and clash further escalated tensions at a polling booth in Moirangkampu Sajeb Awang Leikai.
The Congress candidate from the Inner Manipur seat, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, raised concerns about the forcible removal of his polling agent by armed individuals, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Authorities have been urged to investigate the matter promptly to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Reacting to the reports, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule condemned the alleged instances of poll booth capturing, emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent election process. The incidents underscore the importance of upholding democracy and restoring public trust in the electoral system.
