Imphal, May 30 2010: Polling personnel and a convoy of security forces detailed for election duty for the second phase of the ADC elections were stopped near Awangkhul along NH-53 unable to proceed to Tamenglong Hqs due stringent bandh/blockade imposed along the route.

According to information received from the office of the State Election Commission, a team of polling personnel and a security convoy numbering 80 left for Tamenglong district hqs along NH-53 this morning for election duty.

As the convoy approached Awangkhul at about 11 am, bandh/blockade supporters came out in large hordes and put up strong barricades.

Tension ran high and there were some mild jostlings, but ultimately the convoy was forced to turn back.

However, even as 60 vehicles turned back, 20 vehicles went past the barricades.

The 20 vehicles have reached Tamenglong Hqs late evening, said a police source.

On the other hand, the 60 vehicles which turned from Awangkhul made a detour and headed for Tamenglong along Imphal-Tamenglong Road through Kangpokpi at about 5.30 pm.

Till the time of filing this report, there was no information about any untoward incident or obstruction to the convoy travelling along IT Road.

Meanwhile, polling personnel now stationed at Senapati and Ukhrul district headquarters would set out for their respective polling stations tomorrow.

Concerned SPs have also taken up necessary measures to ensure free and smooth conduct of the ADC polls.

In addition to the continuing blockade on NH-39 and NH-53, the Zeliangrong Students' Union Manipur called a Tamenglong district bandh from May 28 midnight till June 3 midnight against the firing by commandos and IRBs at Lukhambi village.

The Senapati District Students' Association has also called a Senapati district bandh from May 31 midnight of June 2 .

Despite all these subversive measures, all preparations have been completed to conduct the ADC polls as per the scheduled fixed earlier, said an official of the State Election Commission.