Imphal, Sept. 30: The Manipur Election Commission will send security forces as escorts for officials during the next round of the photo-taking exercise for voter identity cards, which will resume in the state on Wednesday.

The election office’s decision to send security personnel was taken after goons disrupted the last photo session in both the valley and hill districts of the state.

The photo-taking exercise in the four valley districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur began in July. In the hill districts, the exercise began earlier this month.

The civic body elections, which was held on September 19 in the four valley districts and parts of Sadar Hills, delayed the exercise further.

“There were about 20 cases of snatching of cameras from the officials taking photographs. We will now organise security escorts for the officials’ protection,” chief electoral officer R.R. Rashmi, said.

The state election office has formed 120 teams to cover the 60 Assembly constituencies. Each team has three officials, which comprises one supervisor and two assistants.

Rashmi, however, did not disclose how many security personnel would escort each of the teams when the exercise resumes on Wednesday.

The election office has also decided to take the photographs at specific venues like schools or local clubs in a village instead of going to individual houses.

Sources said the Naga-dominated hill districts are opposing the exercise. However, the process was smooth in the areas inhabited by the Kukis.

Rashmi said the disturbances have delayed the exercise by months. “Earlier, the target for completing the exercise was fixed at October end. But now the process would take two to three months more to complete.”

The Election Commission has made photo-identity cards compulsory for the voters. The names of those persons who do not have photo-identity cards will be deleted from the electoral roll and they will not be allowed to cast votes, he added.