Shillong, Feb 27: An Independent candidate of Khliehriat constituency Firstbornson Nongtdu has lodged a complaint against the elders of a village for allegedly disallowing his polling agents from performing their duty and even denying them their right to vote.

The incident took place at Dkhiah East polling station at around 7.30 am, Nongtdu said in his complaint submitted to the District Election Officer (DEO) of East Jaintia Hills District on Tuesday.

He said that he had appointed two persons as polling agents for the said polling station and during the course of performing their lawful duty, the elders of the Dkhiah East village threatened and chased them away from the polling station.

“As a result they had to leave the polling station premises immediately apprehending danger that might cause to them physically and they were not even given to cast their rightful vote,” Nongtdu said.

He also slammed that the presiding officer for being a mute spectator and not doing anything on the matter.

Seeking stern action against those involved, the Independent candidate said that appropriate action should be taken as this illegal act is highly condemnable and disrespecting the legal right of a person.

“This act has also put my supporters in a fear stricken and shaky manner and are not in a position to cast their votes,” he said in the complaint.