In Manipur, the Imphal West Deputy Commissioner, Kiran Kumar, announced the establishment of 29 special polling stations across the state to enable voting by internally displaced persons ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
The region has witnessed recent ethnic conflicts, resulting in the displacement of over 50,000 individuals and claiming 175 lives as of September 15, 2023.
Addressing the media on the government’s preparations for the upcoming polls amidst the violence, Kumar stated that under the guidance of the central government, arrangements have been made for the 5000 internally displaced people of Manipur to exercise their voting rights. “Twenty-nine such polling stations have been set up ahead of the general elections,” he confirmed.
“For those internally displaced within the district, voting will take place at designated polling stations with transportation assistance provided. Additionally, special polling stations have been established for those displaced from other parliamentary constituencies and relocated to Imphal West due to the violence,” Kumar explained, noting that 29 such stations have been arranged for the Inner Manipur constituency.
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Furthermore, plans are in place to set up polling stations at relief camps for displaced individuals to ensure everyone has the opportunity to vote.
Regarding the current situation in Manipur, Kumar reassured that normalcy has returned to the state, and elections are expected to proceed peacefully. “Security measures have been intensified, with vulnerable polling stations to be manned by Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel,” he affirmed, indicating an increase in the number of such stations in response to the state’s prevailing circumstances. “We are closely monitoring all movements and activities,” Kumar added.
He also underscored the monitoring of social media platforms to combat offensive or misleading content, affirming that necessary action would be taken to remove such posts promptly.
