The first phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections in Manipur on April 19 was marred by reports of firing, destroyed Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and armed persons threatening voters.
Voting in Manipur, which has seen almost a year-long ethnic strife, began at 7 am and by 9 am the turnout was 13.82 per cent in Inner Manipur and 11.57 per cent in Outer Manipur.
Chief minister N Biren Singh cast his vote at 2/16 Srivan Higher Secondary School Polling Station. Former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh cast his vote at Thoubal.
Reports said that at 5/31 polling station, Thongju unknown miscreants destroyed the EVM alleging forcible casting of vote for a particular candidate by some armed persons.
At Thamnapokpi some unknown persons fired near the polling station which caused conflict and chaos. However, no casualties was reported.
A video that has gone viral shows people running out of the polling booth amid the sound of gunfire.
