Polling in Nagaland largely peaceful, 70-75 turn out

Kohima, March 5: Barring stray incidents of violence, the Nagaland Assembly poll passed off by and large peacefully amidst tight security with an estimated 70-75 turnout despite inclement weather in many parts of the hill state.

Ten political parties, including Congress, BJP, NPF, RJD and NCP and 33 Independents were in the fray with most constituencies witnessing direct fights between Congress and the Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF).

The fate of many political stalwarts, including two former Chief Ministers Neiphiu Rio (NPF) and K L Chishi (Congress) and CLP leader I Imkong, were sealed in the electronic voting machines.

Over 16,000 paramilitary personnel were deployed in 1,780 polling stations with latest EVMs being used in the entire state.

Although no major incident occurred, reports of miscreants scaring off voters from booths and large-scale proxy voting were reported from many parts of the state.

The police and Assam Rifles said many armed miscreants were arrested.

Complaints were received from Mon, Mokokchung and Tuensang districts that in some villages, members of village councils voted for the entire electorate and prevented others from entering booths.

Returning officers were verifying such complaints and if needed re-polling might be ordered in such booths, officials said.