Manipur panchayat elections begin

Imphal: Panchayat elections in four districts of Manipur began on Thursday amidst strict security with about six lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise.

A little over 4,000 candidates are in the fray. Polling began at 1,516 polling stations in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishenpur and Thoubal districts at 7 AM, official sources said. An official report from Bishenpur district said prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC were imposed in the area for smooth conduct of the elections. The polling will end at 4 pm. Counting will be taken up on September 17. PTI