Manipur prepares for Lok Sabha elections with special polling stations for displaced residents

Imphal, Apr 15: While considerable people were displaced due to the recent ethnic clash in Manipur , the north- eastern state is preparing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections by setting up 29 special polling stations for around 5,000 people currently staying in relief camps.

Local polling officials have made arrangements according to central government guidance to allow displaced people to cast their votes. Imphal West Deputy Commissioner Kiran Kumar explained, "In light of the violence and displacement caused by ethnic clashes, we have established special polling stations for internally displaced people. Twenty-nine such stations have been set up in advance of the general elections."

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Displaced residents within the district will vote at their assigned polling stations, with transportation services provided for convenience. Special polling stations have also been established for those from other parliamentary constituencies who were relocated to Imphal West due to the violence. For Inner Manipur, 29 polling stations have been arranged, serving approximately 5,000 internally displaced people.

Some polling stations are being opened directly at relief camps for displaced individuals, ensuring that everyone can cast their vote. Deputy Commissioner Kumar emphasized that peace has largely returned to Manipur over the past few months following the clashes, and security measures have been heightened to ensure a peaceful election process.

Security is being monitored closely, including around vulnerable polling stations manned by Central Armed Police Force personnel. Additionally, authorities are watching social media closely and will take necessary action to remove any offensive, misleading, or harmful content.

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Ethnic clashes broke out in May of last year after a tribal solidarity march protesting an order from the Manipur High Court took a violent turn. Manipur Police stated on September 15 that the violence resulted in 175 deaths and 1,138 injuries, with 33 people reported missing. Many were displaced and their homes set on fire. In January this year, the Ministry of Home Affairs sent a three-member team led by advisor AK Mishra to assess the situation in the state.