Imphal, April 19 (UNI) The first phase of polling on Friday in Manipur that has seen almost year-long ethnic strifes, was marred by reports of firing, destroyed Electronic Voting Machine and armed persons threatening voters.
Voting began at 7 am and by 9 am the turnout was 13.82 percent in Inner Manipur and 11.57 percent in Outer Manipur.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh cast his vote at 2/16 Srivan Higher Secondary School Polling Station, Luwangshangbam Mamang Leikai polling station. Former Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh cast his vote at Thoubal.
At 5/31 polling station, Thongju some persons destroyed the EVM alleging forcible casting of vote for a particular candidate by some armed persons. At Thamnapokpi some unknown persons fired near the polling station which caused conflict and chaos.

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