Aizawl, Nov 21: The returning officer today recommended re-polling in all the 12 polling booths of Suangpuilawn in Mizoram, where only 38 per cent votes were cast amidst allegations of intimidation of voters by militants. Three candidates from Suangpuilawn - Mizoram People's Conference's H Laltanpuia, Mizo National Front (MNF)'s Vaninmawia and Congress' Dr H Ngurdingliana - yesterday demanded countermanding of polls in the constituency after being rescued by police from militant captivity.


Election department sources said only 38 per cent votes were cast in the constituency in contrast with the over 75 per cent polling percentage in the state while destruction of poll materials by activists were reported form certain booths.

Not a single vote was cast in Suangpuilawn, Luangpawn, Phullen-I and II polling booths while only five voters turned up in Daido, the sources said. In Lamherh and Vanbawng booths each, 11 votes were cast.
The three rescued candidates alleged armed Hmar militants not only threatened them but intimidated different local party leaders and voters to vote for H Lalsangzuala, the independent candidate supported by Hmar People's Convention (HPC).

State home minister R Tlanghmingthanga condemned the violence and said those behind such act would be firmly dealt with.

Bureau Report