On January 12, a grenade and an IED exploded near two Congress politicians’ homes in different localities in Imphal.
About IED exploded:
As per the sources, this incident took place signaling sharp political divisions ahead of the state’s assembly polls on February 27 and March 3. However, no person was wounded and no group has claimed responsibility for the IED exploded. Police registered a case, but no arrest has been made yet.
The attacks:
The first attack took place at 2.20am when a grenade went off at the gates of former MLA Salam Joy Singh’s home at Samurou Naorem Chakpram under Wangoi assembly seat in Imphal West. About 30 minutes later, an IED exploded at the gate of Khuraijam Ratankumar Singh’s house at Kanglasango Sang under Khurai seat in Imphal East district. Window panes and walls of his outhouse and some vehicles were damaged.
About Assembly poll in Manipur:
On January 8, the Election Commission of India (ECI), stated that the assembly elections in Manipur will be conducted in two phases on February 27 and March 3. The counting of votes will be done on March 10.
The ECI said that six districts of the state will go to the polls on February 27, while voting in the other 10 districts will be held on March 3.
After the 2017 Assembly polls, a coalition of BJP, National People’s Party (NPP), Naga People’s Front and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) formed the government, which is presently led by chief minister N Biren Singh.
However, no physical rallies will be allowed till January 15 in wake of Covid-related concerns. A review will be done at appropriate time, said the CEC.
All polling stations will be equipped with Covid-mitigation facilities including sanitisers and masks and all election staff will be doubly-vaccinated and will also be eligible for a precautionary third dose.
As many as 18.34 crore electors will take part in elections in the five states, out of which 8.55 crore are women, said the CEC Sushil Chandra.
The election commission also said that the aim is to conduct Covid-safe elections in five states with maximum voter participation with extensive preparations.
