Booth captured, EVMs destroyed, disturbances reported in Manipur poll (VIDEOS)

Imphal: The first phase of polling on Friday in Manipur that has seen almost year-long ethnic strife, was marred by reports of firing, a destroyed Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and armed persons threatening voters.

The Congress candidate for Inner Manipur, Akoijam Bimol, had a face-off with senior police personnel as Congress agents inside the polling stations were asked to leave the polling stations.

Bimol questioned the role of police and security personnel in not taking action when Congress agents were forced out of various polling stations.

This is what happens in Manipur imphal today,each individuals are not allowed to enter and vote themselves. They are not allowed to exercise their rights! The man in the video sais,they do not allow me to vote, even my mother is not allowed. BJP's game is to play with EVM to win. pic.twitter.com/822gCGam3j

— Chepu (@TinnmangBaite21) April 19, 2024

At 5/31 polling station, Thongju, some people destroyed the EVM, alleging forcible casting of vote for a particular candidate by some armed persons. At Thamnapokpi some unknown persons fired near the polling station, which caused conflict and chaos.

At 10/6 Uripok, the EVM was destroyed by some persons alleging booth capture by some armed persons.

Manipur : When you are rearing a Baby Lion, it will definitly bite one day. Same happens today, someone's Boys create a rockus at Thamnapokpi polling station. 6000+ looted govt. Weapons used freely in Manipur, The worst is still awaiting... @thewire_in @HillsMojo @UN @MIB_India pic.twitter.com/8EC43jGHli

— PK Misao Kuki-Zo (@paokamM) April 19, 2024

Polling in Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituemcy. All non BJP are thrown out of the polling station. pic.twitter.com/N1oMBX0QCw

— Anand Prakash (@anand11_du) April 19, 2024

The poll percentage at 1 p.m. was 46.92, with the Inner Manipur reporting 49.44 percent and the Outer Seat reporting 41.49 percent.

Chandel constituency reported the highest turnout of 68.33 per cent, while the lowest was reported at Saikul with 8.50 per cent turnout.