The Manipur government has announced the implementation of a “dry day” during the polling days and the counting day of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state.

 Manipur, which witnessed ethnic unrest in May last year, is set to conduct the Lok Sabha elections in two phases, scheduled for April 19 and April 26, respectively.

 According to Pradeep Kumar Jha, Manipur chief electoral officer (CEO), a total of 1058 polling stations out of 2955 have been identified as ‘vulnerable’ in the state.

 In line with this, an order issued by the Mizoram excise department mandates the prohibition of liquor sales from 4 pm on April 17 until 4 pm on the polling day of the first phase (April 19).

 Similarly, a ban on liquor sales will be enforced from 4 pm on April 24 until 4 pm on the polling day of the second phase (April 26).

  Additionally, a dry day has been declared on the day of vote counting, scheduled for June 04, which will remain effective until the conclusion of the counting process.

 The decision was made in accordance with section 135c of the Representation of People’s Act 1951, and in exercise of the authority granted under section 17(3) of the Eastern Bengal & Assam Excise Act 1910, extended to the state of Manipur.