IMPHAL: Residents of India’s violence-hit state of Manipur also took part in elections on Friday amid the shadow of ethnic clashes that killed more than 220 people in the last.
The state has been roiled by violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo people since May, and continues to be divided into two areas. Reuters reported that there were incidents of violence on Friday the region, despite heavy presence of security forces.
An election official told on the condition of anonymity that six cases of groups attempting to take over polling stations were reported in Imphal. It said that armed groups and mobs came and attempted to take control of the polling station in the area. The official maintained that a firing incident between two armed groups also took place in Bishnupur district.
The election began on Friday in India and will be held in seven phases while voting will be completed in two phases in violence-hit Manipur.
Low Turnout in Manipur
Many residents abstained from voting in the Kuki-dominated areas as Kuki tribal bodies had urged voters to not take part in the polls due to the violence in the region. Local people said that dozens of polling booths in Kangpokpi witnessed a zero turnout. Joukim Vaiphei, a local resident said that many Kuki-Zos decided not to take part in elections.
Joukim Vaiphei said, two people of their community were killed, their dead bodies defiled on camera and termed it so barbaric, yet no word from the government side. The resident said that there is no democracy in Manipur. State election chief Jha also admitted that turnout was around 20% in Kangpokpi areas.
