The Manipur government has despatched additional forces to the three hill districts where the Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections will be held on Wednesday in the backdrop of violent protests by some tribal villagers. On Monday, the tribals had intercepted the polling personnel and security guards at several places to prevent them from reaching the polling stations. Also, houses of several candidates were attacked.
Some agitating tribals had intercepted the polling and security personnel at Tamei in Tamenglong district. Two jeeps and one truck in which the personnel had come along with the polling material were pushed into a deep gorge. Six other vehicles were damaged and ten others were forced to return towards Imphal. On receipt of information, additional security forces were rushed. Efforts were on to retrieve the vehicles along with the polling material. However the police efforts were hampered by the torrential rains. The policemen who had fired several rounds in the air could not disperse the tribals.
Some other agitating tribals also burned down a wooden bridge which connects Tamei with other districts. This was intended to prevent the polling personnel from reaching the polling stations in Tamenglong district.
In Ukhrul district, an attempt was made to torch the houses of 8 Congress candidates and one independent by unknown persons.
