People in India's northeastern region participated enthusiastically in the 16th Lok Sabha elections, despite a boycott call given by some insurgent outfits.
Most came out to vote during the first two phases of the nine-phase general elections.
Whether men, women, young or old, the enthusiasm was visible on the face of every voter in the northeast, as they cast their ballots to choose their representatives for the Lok Sabha.
The huge turnout in the first two phases amid threats by insurgent outfits indicated the general public's faith in democracy.
In Meghalaya, voting for two parliamentary constituencies was held peacefully, with the state witnessing a 71 per cent voter turnout.
People defied an election boycott call by the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to come out and vote.
In Arunachal Pradesh, around 71 per cent of voters exercised their franchise for the two Lok Sabha and 49 assembly seats.
There were reports of miscreants burning down some poll material in Sarli in Kurung Kumey District.
"We hope that whoever leader we choose will work for our development.So, we should cast our vote for an able and efficient leader because it will benefit us," said a voter.
"I have a lot of expectation from the MP and MLA.We need to become a developed nation not a developing nation. There has to be change in the nation," said another voter Noori.
Meanwhile,the election for the lone parliamentary seat in Nagaland registered a high voter turnout of 81.47 per cent. About 2059 polling booths saw long queues of voters.
A total of 33 companies of central armed police force were deployed for the peaceful conduct of elections in the state.
Enthusiasm was high among people in Assam as they came out to vote in large numbers on April 7.
About 75 per cent of the 64.4 lakh voters exercised their franchise peacefully in five Lok Sabha constituencies in the first phase of polling in the state, sealing the electoral fate of 51 candidates.
The second and third phase of voting will take place on 12th and 24th April.
"We wish that the problems the youths are facing should be addressed. The tea workers should be encouraged and wages should be increased. We want a stable government which works in the interest of the poor people," said Shubu, a voter.
"We have come to cast our vote, as we hope that a good leader is selected who forms a stable government and can provide solution to the problems which the country is facing," said another voter, Chandramani Upadhyay.
Voters in Tripura queued up since early morning on 7th April outside the 1605 polling stations to cast their vote for the West Tripura seat. The state witnessed a high voter turnout of over 85 % in the first phase of election.
Keeping in mind the threat from militant outfits, adequate security personnel were deployed in the region.
"I was in the queue from early 5 PM and now I could cast my vote. The voting is going on well and lots of people have gathered here. People are enthusiastic to cast their vote," Ram Chandar Shaw, a voter.
In Manipur, polling for the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat witnessed an 80 % voter turnout. It was mostly peaceful, barring an attack on the Deputy Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Preshow Shimray by suspected cadres of NSCN-IM while he was returning after casting his vote.
There were reports that NSCN-IM cadres had captured 10 polling stations of the Chingai Assembly constituency. The second phase of polling for the inner constituency will take place on 17th.
People are looking forward to an era of peace and development.
"I want a government which is stable and who will work for the public wholeheartedly," said Pravin Singh.
"I believe in democracy. Our country is unity in diversity. Though we have different religion and caste, we want to unite and want to bring peace and development," said Ashwini Kumar Singh, who is voting for the first time.
The counting is scheduled to take place on May 16th.
The large participation of voters is a reflection of their faith in democracy and their desire for a government that can bring about peace and development.
