Two more back out from Kshetrigao byelection

IMPHAL, April 27: The 4-Kshetrigao Assembly byelections scheduled to be held on May 11 next, will now be a straight contest between Vivek Raj Wangkhem, Samata Party candidate, and the Congress nominee Irengbam Sanatomba, with the other two candidates withdrawing their candidatures today. The returning officer for the 4- Kshetrigao Assembly constituency, the SDO Porompat today accepted the withdrawal of candidature of Independent candidates Md Muhamuddin Shah, and Wahengbam Hemanta Singh, official sources said. Today was the last day for withdrawal of nominations. Md Muhamuddin Shah, to a press release, said he had withdrawn his candidature, respecting his party, the BJP's decision not to field any candidate in the ensuing byelection. Muhammuddin Shah, who has represented 4-Kshetrigao constituency several times in the past, said he would support any candidate whom the BJP supports. He further stated he had full faith in the Radhabinod Koijam led People's Front government in Manipur, and the NDA government at the Centre, he stated. The deputy commissioner, Imphal east, S Sunderlal Singh, in the meantime said preparations for holding the forthcoming byelections in a free and fair manner were almost complete. Altogether 973 security personnel, including civil police, home guards, and CRPF would be deployed in the constituency to ensure free and, fair elections. He further said that of the 30 polling stations in the constituency, 21 have been designated as sensitive, and nine, including polling stations no. 4/5, 4/6, 4/8, 4/, 4/ 16, 4/18, 4/19, 4/20 and 4/27 have been designated as hypersensitive. Sunderlal Singh, in his capacity as district magistrate, Imphal east, has already directed all the arms license holders of 4-Kshetrigao constituency to deposit all licensed arms at the nearest police station on or before May 3, 2001. Prohibitory orders, banning carrying of lethal weapons; including licensed weapons in the constituency, have also been promulgated under section 144 of the Criminal Pr Procedure Code. The ban will be effective till the declaration of election results.