Ukhrul: Compared to the previous General Elections of 2019, there has been a sea change in voter turnout. In the earlier Lok Sabha elections, few people came out to cast their votes in person, and the polling stations appeared deserted. This year’s polls has witnessed a significant turnout at various polling stations as voters exercise their franchise.
The two assembly constituencies under Ukhrul District, 44-Ukhrul (ST) AC and 45-Chingai (ST) AC, are witnessing a straight fight between Naga People’s Front candidate Kachui Timothy Zimik and Indian National Congress candidate Alfred K Arthur. Except for a lone attempt to disturb polling process in Viewland East Part no. 47 in Ukhrul Headquarters allegedly by armed miscreants, who were thwarted off by womenfolk present at the polling station, the polling process across the district is going on smoothly. There are no reports of other untoward incidents during the time of filing this report.
The two assembly segments have a total of 93,869 voters, with 44-Ukhrul (ST) AC having 46,199 voters (22,549 Male & 23,650 Female) and 45-Chingai (ST) AC having 47,670 voters (22,960 Male & 24,710 Female).
44-Ukhrul (ST) AC has a total of 71 polling stations and 4 special polling stations for internally displaced persons (IDPs). There will be 34 polling stations for men and 37 reserved for women polling personnel, with 1 model polling station.
Check this | Stage set for second phase Lok Sabha polls in Manipur Amid Calls for ‘Free and Fair’ Polling
45-Chingai (ST) AC has 70 polling stations, with 8 stations designated for women polling personnel and the remaining 62 for men polling personnel. It will also have 1 model polling station for this segment.
According to information received, there are 44 vulnerable areas and 17 critical areas identified by the Election Commission of India. Central Forces will be deployed in all vulnerable and critical areas. There are 22 polling stations each in 44-Ukhrul Assembly Constituency and 45-Chingai Assembly Constituency categorized as Vulnerable. There are 7 critical polling stations in 44-Ukhrul Assembly Constituency and 10 critical polling stations in 45-Chingai Assembly Constituency.
Approximately 13 companies of Central Forces and 1000 personnel from the State Police are being deployed across the 145 polling stations. Additionally, 16 Mobile Teams, 6 Zonal Commanders, and 6 Striking Reserve teams have been set up as a quick response team for election day.
So far, people are casting their votes peacefully in their respective polling stations. There are no reports of any untoward incidents as of filing this report.