Imphal, March 3: All preparations have been put in place for free and fair poll in tomorrow’s first phase of the state assembly elections. A total of 11 Lakh and 19 thousand electorates across of 38 assembly constituencies from the six districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Pherzawl will exercise their franchise in tomorrow’s poll. Polling will start at seven in the morning and will end at three in the afternoon. Altogether 168 candidates including six women are in the fray in the first phase.
Out of the 1643 polling stations for the first phase, 529 polling stations are identified as sensitive. 280 companies of Central Para-Military Forces will be deployed and only central force will be deputed for polling duty in all polling stations.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi had already visited the state on Wednesday on a two day visit to review the security situation ahead of the assembly elections. The Army Commander visited important locations in the state including Bishnupur, Senapati and Mantripukhri where he was briefed by the General Officer Commanding of the Red Shield Division, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) and local commanders on the security challenges and the measures being taken up for ensuring a conducive atmosphere for conduct of free and fair elections.