Thaindian News

New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) The Election Commission has said it was keeping a watch on “violent” and “extremist activities” in Manipur, where militants triggered another bomb blast Friday, and asked the authorities to take stringent measure to ensure a peaceful assembly poll Saturday.

“Commission has noticed some violent and extremist activities taking place in certain areas of the state of Manipur in the run up to the polling in that state. This has included attacks on personnel on polling duty,” a statement issued here said.

The commission said it has taken “all measures for free, fair and peaceful election in Manipur with full and fearless participation of voters”.

The poll panel said it is “keeping track of the developing situation in the state, especially in some of the districts and constituencies”.

“The commission has today once again directed the Election machinery in the state and the law and order authorities there to maintain maximum alertness and take the most stringent measures in order to ensure that peace during the polling is not affected and the election process is not vitiated,” the statement said.

“However, the commission has received certain concerns over the developing situation and as such, is keeping a direct watch over the situation in the state all the time and would take all measures that might become necessary to ensure free and fair polls,” it added.

The reaction came after militants triggered another blast on the eve of the assembly polls, creating panic in the state with a string of bombings since polls were announced.

Suspected militants triggered a blast in the Manipur capital at 11.15 a.m. at Thangmeiban Iikamdewan Leiki locality under Imphal West district. One person received minor injuries in the blast, police said.