Imphal: Violence erupted during polling in Manipur today (Apr 26, 2004) as militants exchanged fire with security forces in several places, killing at least one Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan and injuring another person, official sources said.

The jawan was killed during an encounter between personnel of 14 CRPF battalion and the militants at Wangu in interior Thoubal district at 9.30 hrs (IST), the sources said.

Elections 2004-The Drama unfolds...
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In a separate incident, armed militants snatched one electronic voting machine (EVM) from a polling station at Uripok Khoisnam Leikei in Imphal West district during the second and last phase of election for Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat.

Heavy exchange of fire was also reported between insurgents and CRPF personnel at a polling station in interior Mingthoukhong area in Bishenpur district.

Within half-a-kilometre from this polling station, the militants lobbed a powerful bomb and fired at CRPF jawans near Mayaileikai Lower Primary school polling station.

Another encounter took place between India Reserve Battalion personnel and insurgents when the latter attacked a polling station at Keinou area in Bishenpur district.

The heavy exchange of fire lasted for about half-an-hour but no casualty was reported, the sources said.

Polling was suspended for some time and was resumed with additional security reinforcements, the sources said.

Manipur went to hustings amidst a poll boycott call and a bandh call by separatist insurgent outfit United National Liberation Front (UNLF).

Eleven women's organisations had also issued a poll boycott call alleging Government failure of preventing atrocities on civilians by Central forces.