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70 per cent polling in Manipur
By Our Correspondent

IMPHAL, FEB. 14. Brisk-to-heavy polling was reported in many parts of the 40 Assembly constituencies in Manipur which went to polls today. Armed militants resorted to booth-capturing in several places at the Sugnu constituency in Thoubal district. The Chief Electoral Officer, D.S. Poonia, said action would be taken against the culprits.

The Congress candidate for the Andro constituency, T. Shyamkumar, was kidnapped by militants and polling was immediately postponed. Polling was suspended for some time when the polling officer at Lilong in Thoubal district died following a heart-attack.

Polling began on a dull note in the morning but picked up later. At noon, there was 60 per cent polling and climbed to 70 per cent by afternoon. There are 244 candidates in the fray for the 40 Assembly constituencies. Three Chief Ministers, R.K. Dorendra, Radhabinod Koijam and W. Nipamacha are seeking re- election. Sixty former Ministers are also in the race. There are 8,88,895 voters.

For the first time, electronic voting machines were used in six constituencies in and around Imphal. The second and final phase of elections would be held on February 21 for the remaining 20 constituencies.

Two BSF personnel were killed and four wounded when militants ambushed them at Lamali, near Imphal, this morning. There was a clash among the supporters at the Heingang constituency. A bridge was partially burnt. There were reports of impersonation and destruction of vehicles at the Thongju and Langthabal constituencies.

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