Polling begins in Nandigram

NANDIGRAM: Amid tightened security, voting began in Nandigram early on Sunday with thousands of villagers queuing up in front of polling booths for the panchayat elections.

"The polling is peaceful so far. There's no report of any violence in Nandigram regarding the panchayat election. We have deployed enough number of police personnel in all sensitive areas," East Midnapore police superintendent S.S. Panda said.

There are about 220 polling booths in Nandigram and 3,230 booths across the entire district.

"We are carrying out patrolling in Nandigram and additional forces like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other state police are also helping us keep a close vigil on the situation," he said.

According to East Midnapore district administrative officials, the number of voters in the district is 2.4 million.

About 20 percent votes had been cast till 10 a.m.