Economic blockade will not impact the assembly polls in Manipur: Dr Nasim Zaidi, CEC
IMPHAL: While political rumbling between the Congress led state government in Manipur and NDA government in Centre over 114 day old economic blockade in Manipur highways continued, Chief election commission (CEC) Dr Nasim Zaidi said that despite blockade election will be held in the state.
Manipur is going to polls on March 4 and 8 and reeling under the economic blockade sponsored by the United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1 last year over creation of seven new districts in the state.
Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh lobbed a political volley and said BJP has said by imposing president’s rule they could have lifted economic blockade in few days. "I am charging them that they are in league with UNC and NSCN-IM."
Zadi on Wednesday reviewed situation in the state. Zadi said that there will free, fair and peaceful poll. "We have all the data from and are confident that blockade will not impact the poll process."
The CEC added that enough forces will be deployed to state and adequate security measures will be taken up. "Election commission has enough stock of petrol and diesel."
Zadi said that security forces will be deployed well in advance to instill confidence in the mind of voter. Security forces will do area domination exercise. "Last time the voting percentage was 80 percent and we want it to go up. "
The CEC further said despite the fact that Manipur is a dry state, liquors are sneaking in. "Vigil at interstate and international border is heightened. We will place 118 flying squads and 111 static surveillance team to monitor movement of liquor, cash and drugs."
Out of the 60 constituencies 18 have been identified as sensitive, 352 polling stations have been identified as vulnerable and 837 polling stations as critical.
A total of 167 candidates are in the fray for the first phase poll to be held in 38 constituencies on March 4. For the second phase 98 candidates are in the fray in 22 constituencies.
Manipur is going to polls on March 4 and 8 and reeling under the economic blockade sponsored by the United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1 last year over creation of seven new districts in the state.
Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh lobbed a political volley and said BJP has said by imposing president’s rule they could have lifted economic blockade in few days. "I am charging them that they are in league with UNC and NSCN-IM."
Zadi on Wednesday reviewed situation in the state. Zadi said that there will free, fair and peaceful poll. "We have all the data from and are confident that blockade will not impact the poll process."
The CEC added that enough forces will be deployed to state and adequate security measures will be taken up. "Election commission has enough stock of petrol and diesel."
Zadi said that security forces will be deployed well in advance to instill confidence in the mind of voter. Security forces will do area domination exercise. "Last time the voting percentage was 80 percent and we want it to go up. "
The CEC further said despite the fact that Manipur is a dry state, liquors are sneaking in. "Vigil at interstate and international border is heightened. We will place 118 flying squads and 111 static surveillance team to monitor movement of liquor, cash and drugs."
Out of the 60 constituencies 18 have been identified as sensitive, 352 polling stations have been identified as vulnerable and 837 polling stations as critical.
A total of 167 candidates are in the fray for the first phase poll to be held in 38 constituencies on March 4. For the second phase 98 candidates are in the fray in 22 constituencies.
