Repolling blot on high voter turnout

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Barring reports of several skirmishes between rival groups in several constituencies, the State witnessed a relatively peaceful polling today that started at 7 am this morning. According to the latest reports, the voter turnout has been excellent at 72 per cent, which may go up as reports from interior and rural polling stations are still pouring in.

However, the blot on the almost successful election process is the recommendation by Returning Officers for re-poll in as many as 23 polling stations spread across nine Assembly constituencies.

Sources from the districts informed The Sentinel Arunachal that sporadic incidents of violence disrupted polling in few constituencies particularly in Upper Subansiri district forcing election officials to stall the proceedings for the day.

Official sources from Daporijo said that in several stations in the upper reaches of the district polling had to be cancelled following volatile situation. Sources confirmed of at least eight polling stations where voting was stopped – two polling stations in Daporijo Assembly constituency, two in Nacho and four in Dumporijo. A source, however, added another station in Dumporijo – Nguki- where repolling has been scheduled.

In Raga Assembly constituency, polling in at least four stations had to be stalled after violence and EVM defects. An eyewitness at Dakpe polling station informed one EVM was damaged by an irate supporter of a particular party bringing the poll process to a halt. At Hari polling station under Ziro-Hapoli Assembly segment also a case of EVM damage has been reported forcing the authorities to adjourn the polling.

Official sources from Pasighat also confirmed of two similar incidents of EVM damage at Motum and Borguli polling booths in Mebo Assembly constituency.

Reports of violence marring the poll process have also been received from Tali, Palin and Nyapin in Kurung Kumey, Liromoba and Basar in West Siang and Chayangtajo in East Kameng.

Khonsa East contestant TL Rajkumar of INC said that a few cadres from one of the faction of the NSCN allegedly beat up several Congress supporters at Tutnu, Kolam and Ngoithong villages besides taking two Congress workers captive. Demanding repolling at Tutnu, Rajkumar claimed that due to fear people could not exercise their franchise. Counting of votes will be held on October 22 next.

However, the most trouble-prone Tirap district with Kanubari in eye of a storm registered the most peaceful polling with voter turnout matching the overall percentage of the State. Foolproof security arrangements by the district police 19 Assam Rifles and 19 Kumaon Battalion of the Indian Army assisted by CRPF personnel prevented any sort of influence bid by underground elements this election.

Meanwhile, Election Office sources stated this evening that election materials, including EVMs from far-flung areas, would be airlifted back to bases from tomorrow, which may extend up to October 16 next. THE SENTINEL