Manipur: Police use drones for surveillance in Ukhrul district for second phase of LS polls

The chairperson of Ava market in Ukhrul said that there are 130 members in the market and all are women.

"There are 130 members in this market. All women. We have already decided for whom we will vote tomorrow. We have the right to vote and we understand whom should we vote for. We are ready to vote for the person we have chosen," she said.

The residents of the Ukhrul constituency said that they are ready and have already decided on whom they are going to vote.

"We are ready and have already decided to whom we are going to vote. I will vote for someone who will be ready to sacrifice for the community, who is dynamic and will bring changes in the community," she said.

Another resident said that they believe that a free and fair election should take place.

"My vote is my choice. We believe that a free and fair election should take place. All of us will participate in tomorrow's voting," she said.

'Ava Market' in Manipur's Ukhrul is completely run by women. Ukhrul comes under the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha Constituency. Naga People's Front's (NPF) Kachui Timothy Zimik will contest against Congress's Alfred K. Arthur here.

Earlier, re-polling was held in 11 polling stations of the Inner Manipur constituency on April 22, after multiple incidents of violence were reported during the first phase of polling on April 19. Unidentified miscreants opened fire and even destroyed EVMs, according to sources.

The re-polling was done under tight security to avoid any mishaps.

Among the affected polling stations; two were from Khurai assembly constituency, four in Kshetrigao, one in Thongju, three in Uripok, and one in Konthoujam constituency.

The constituency of Outer Manipur is currently held by Lorho Phoze of the Naga People Front.

This time, however, the NPF is going into the polls as a partner in the BJP-led NDA. The BJP, earlier, announced its support for NPF candidate for Outer Manipur, Kachui Timothy Zimik.

Zimik is up against Congress MLA Alfred K Arthur, who is the joint Opposition candidate of the INDIA bloc.

Manipur saw a voter turnout of over 69 per cent on April 19.

The voting for the remaining 13 segments of Outer Manipur will be held in the second phase on April 26. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)