Voting for Tripura Assembly elections begin

Agartala Feb 18 (IANS) Voting for the Assembly elections in India s northeastern state of Tripura began on Sunday morning amidst tight security official said.

"Men and women in large numbers queued up in front of many polling stations well before polling opened at 7 a.m. in the entire state. Polling ends at 4 p.m. " said Sriram Taranikanti the Chief Electoral Officer. In all 2 536 589 people including 1 250 128 women and 47 803 first-time voters are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 292 candidates including 23 women and many independents. "Apprehending troubles by some tribal outfit a record 50 000 para-military and other state security personnel have been deployed while two air surveillance team led by senior officials are conducting surveillance by helicopters " the election official. --IANS sc/qd