Manipur Assembly Polls: 78% Turnout in 1st Phase; Clashes, EVM Damage Reported

Two security personnel died during poll duty. Their deaths, however, are said to be unrelated to the polls.

A high voter turnout of 78.03 percent was recorded till 5 during the first phase of the Manipur Assembly elections held on Monday, 28 February.

Several incidents of poll-related violence were also reported throughout the day.

The body of a havildar from the 8th Manipur Rifles, who was deployed on poll duty in the state, was found in the Pherzawl district of southern Manipur on Monday morning, PTI reported. Police have said that the cause of death was unclear, and that investigation was on.

Also, a police officer who was on poll duty died in a suspected case of accidental firing from his service rifle, Rajesh Agarwal, Chief Electoral Officer, told PTI.