In anticipation of potential disruptions during the upcoming second phase of elections, the Congress party has petitioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) to designate Jiribam as a hypersensitive area and its polling stations as vulnerable polling stations. Speaking at a press conference held at Congress Bhawan, former Congress minister Kh Ratankumar expressed concerns over recent undemocratic incidents that marred the first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha election in Manipur on April 19. Allegations of vote rigging, booth capturing, violence, intimidation, and threats circulated widely on social media, casting doubts on the integrity of the democratic process in Manipur.
Ratankumar revealed that a team from the Congress party had conducted an assessment in areas scheduled for the second phase of elections and identified potential hotspots in Jiribam district where untoward incidents could occur. Subsequently, the polling agent of the Congress candidate for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency submitted an application to the ECI through the state election commission, urging for 17 polling stations in Jiribam district to be classified as vulnerable and hypersensitive.
Accusations were also levied against certain miscreants and anti-social elements allegedly attempting to disrupt Congress workers in the 40-Jiribam assembly constituency. Concerns were raised regarding the potential disenfranchisement of voters and interference with the electoral process.