Manipur: Imphal West Deputy Commissioner Kiran Kumar mentioned that 29 special polling stations have been set up throughout Manipur to facilitate voting by internally displaced individuals forward of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
Manipur, which has been marred by latest ethnic clashes, has led to the interior displacement of over 50,000 folks whereas claiming 175 lives (as of September 15, 2023).
Addressing the media in regards to the authorities’s preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls within the violence-hit Manipur, the Imphal West Deputy Commissioner mentioned that, upon the steerage acquired by the central authorities, a major association has been made for the 5000 internally displaced folks of Manipur in order that they’ll additionally solid their votes.
“Twenty-nine such polling stations have been opened ahead of the general elections,” he mentioned.
“The people displaced within the district will cast their votes at their designated polling stations. There is no specific arrangement for them apart from the transportation services that we will provide. For people from other parliamentary constituencies who were shifted to Imphal West in light of the violence, we have opened special polling stations. For Inner Manipur, we have arranged for 29 such polling stations. There are about 5,000 internally displaced people,” he added.
Further, the official additionally opened up in regards to the plan of setting up some polling stations at aid camps for the displaced folks. “Everyone will be given the opportunity to cast their votes,” he mentioned.
On the present state of affairs in Manipur, the deputy commissioner emphasised that normalcy has returned to the Northeast state and elections will go peacefully.
“We have stepped up security measures and are hopeful that the elections will pass off peacefully. We have identified vulnerable polling stations, which are to be manned by Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel. The total number of such polling stations is increasing, considering the prevailing situation in the state. Every movement and activity is being solidly watched and monitored,” he added.
The official additionally talked about that strict vigilance is being adopted on the social media platform and that vital motion would be taken to take down offensive, deceptive, or mischievous posts as and when vital.
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