Manipur: Re-polling underway at 11 booths after Phase 1 violence
Re-polling is being held in 11 booths within the I-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency on Monday. This comes after violence was reported from several polling stations in the conflict-hit state during the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19. According to report, Manipur's chief electoral officer took the decision in response to the reports of gunfire and destruction of electronic voting machines (EVMs) from multiple booths.
ECI declares initial polls null and void
Manipur CEO's decision also followed the directives of the Election Commission of India, which declared the initial polls null and void, amid the violence. The CEO stated, "The Election Commission of India has...directed that the poll taken on April 19 in...11 polling stations...of I-inner Manipur parliamentary constituency to be void and appointed...as the date for taking fresh poll at said polling stations with hours of poll from 7:00am to 5:00pm."
Re-polling locations and security measures enhanced
The re-polling is taking place at specific locations including Moirangkampu Sajeb Upper Primary School and S Ibobi Primary School (East Wing) in Khurai assembly constituency, four stations in Kshetrigao, one in Thongju, three in Uripok, and one in Konthoujam. On April 19, violence erupted at a polling station in Moirangkampu Sajeb Awang Leikai of Imphal where a civilian was injured due to gunfire. To ensure safety during re-polling, security measures have been significantly enhanced across all polling stations.
Voter turnout and future election schedule
Despite the unrest, the voter turnout in Manipur was recorded at 69.18% until 7:00pm on April 19. The Lok Sabha elections are taking place in seven phases across India. On April 19, voting was conducted in all 32 assembly segments of the inner Manipur parliamentary constituency and 15 assembly segments of the outer Manipur (ST) parliamentary constituency. The remaining 13 segments of Outer Manipur are set to cast their votes in the second phase on April 26.
Manipur ethnic violence
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence that erupted between the majority Meiteis and the tribal Kukis last year on May 3 over the former's demand for ST status. Meiteis, who constitute 53% of the state's population, are concerned regarding the "influx of illegal immigrants" from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Meanwhile, tribals like Nagas and Kukis are worried about losing their ancestral lands. Over 200 people have been killed in the conflict, and over 50,000 have been displaced.
