On Counting days as well...
The government in Manipur has declared a 'dry day' on the polling days and the counting day of Lok Sabha elections in the state.
Manipur, where the violence took place in May last year, will vote in two phases -- April 19 and April 26 -- for the Lok Sabha elections.
According to Manipur's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Pradeep Kumar Jha, 1,058 polling stations out of 2,955 have been identified as "vulnerable" in Manipur.
As per an order issued by the states excise department, there will be dry days in the state from 4 pm on April 17 till 4 pm of voting of the first phase which is on April 19.
Similarly, from 4 pm of April 24 till 4 pm of the second phase polls (April 26), liquor will not be sold in the state.
A dry day has also been declared on the day of counting of votes-- June 4.
It will be effective till the counting ends, the order stated.
The move was taken in pursuance of Section 135c of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 and in the exercise of the power conferred under Section 17(3) of Eastern Bengal & Assam Excise Act, 1910 which is extended to the state of Manipur, the order mentioned.
Edited By: Arusha Farooq
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