An estimated 80 per cent of the electorate on Thursday cast votes in the first phase of Manipur assembly elections in 19 of 60 constituencies in an exercise that passed off peacefully amid tight security.

Official reports said there were only a few minor incidents of clashes between poll workers and an attempt to snatch electronic voting machines in Thoubal and Ukhrul districts, which went to poll along with Senapati district.

The reports said unidentified gunmen ambushed security men accompanying election personnel in a vehicle at Leirongthel area in Thoubal district and attempted to take away an EVM but were unsuccessful. Nobody was injured though the vehicle was damaged.

Another unsuccessful bid to snatch an EVM took place at Phungyar in Ukhrul assembly constituency.

A Congress worker was injured in a clash with supporters of Manipur People's Party candidate at Khangabok constituency in Thoubal district.

Reports said that about 75 to 80 per cent polling was reported in Thoubal; about 80 per cent in Senapati and 85 per cent in Ukhrul district. The reports said some polling stations, including Karong in Senapati district and Mahadeb area in Ukhrul district, recorded over 90 per cent votes at around 3:00 pm, half an hour before the end of polling.

Ninety nine per cent votes were cast at a polling station in Karong constituency while 95 per cent votes were cast at the Wunghon government primary school polling station in Ukhrul constituency in Ukhrul district, reports added.