Shillong, Feb 21: Voting at two polling stations in Wapung Skur, East Jaintia Hills, was halted after miscreants, numbering around 20-30, entered and destroyed the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in both the polling stations and fled.

According to officials after polling began at 7 am people continued to cast their ballot smoothly. However, at around 11.30 the miscreants forcibly entered the Wapung Skur, a polling station and damaged the EVM.

By the time information was received about the incident and security forces rushed in, the miscreants went to another polling station Wapung Skur B and entered there and damaged the EVM. As a result, two EVMs were totally damaged.

Polling station in Wapung Skur vandalised (AT Photo)

Due to the vandalism, voting was stopped and authorities said the polls are likely to be conducted tomorrow. “The villagers are holding a meeting and the polls are likely to be held tomorrow,” East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police, Giri Prasad said.

The polling agents have not been able to identify the culprits at both the polling station and at the time of filing this report they are at large. The police have registered a case and are trying to identify the culprits.

Prasad meanwhile said additional security forces have been deployed in the village to prevent breakdown of law and order. “Nobody was injured in the incident,” he added.