Itanagar: With three Congress candidates already elected un-opposed polling for the rest of 57 seats of the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly began at 7 AM today (Oct 7, 2004) amidst elaborate security arrangements.

Elections are being held at 1684 polling stations spread across the State to decide the fate of 163 candidates from different political parties.

The ruling Congress is contesting in all remaining 57 seats while BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is contesting 38 seats. These apart, there are 11 candidates of Arunachal Congress, 10 of NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) and 47 Independents.

Twenty-six constituencies are witnessing straight contest while 15 seats have triangular contest, and rest four-cornered or five-cornered contest.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made with the deployment of 42 companies of Para Military Forces apart from the State security personnel.

A total of 640 polling stations have been declared as sensitive and 307 as hyper-sensitive. International border with Myanmar as well as State border with Assam has been sealed in view of the elections.

Security has also been tightened at the district headquarters of Seppa, which witnessed tribal clashes recently.