Guwahati, Jan 4 (UNI) Union Home Secretary V K Duggal today asserted that the government would take all possible measures to ensure a violence-free Assembly elections in Manipur next month.

The state goes to polls in three phases from February 8, with the second phase of polling likely to be held on February 14 instead of the earlier declared date of February 15 as it coincides with Manipur Festival. The final phase is slated on February 23 rpt 23.

Mr Duggal had visited Manipur yesterday and was talking to reporters here today after reviewing the preparation for National Games in Asom from February 9.

He said the decision to hold elections in three phases in Manipur was taken to ensure that it was violence-free.

He said, ''The government observed that phase-wise elections are more violence-free than polls on a single day. The last few Assembly polls in many states were spread over three to five phases and had been relatively violence-free.'' Mr Duggal expressed satisfaction over security and other arrangements in Manipur for the coming polls. He had met the governor and the chief minister, including other high officials, during his visit yesterday.

He said, ''We want to create an atmosphere where voters feel safe and secure to vote.'' UNI