The long‑awaited Village Council elections in the hill areas of North Tripura are underway in a calm and orderly manner, with polling officials reporting a 60 percent turnout by 12 noon. 

Voting began at 7 a.m. in Balichhara ADC Village under Kalachhara Block, where security forces including police and TSR personnel were deployed outside polling stations to ensure smooth conduct.

According to Returning Officer Sumit Kumar Das, polling has remained free of untoward incidents so far, with voters participating enthusiastically. 

The elections, being held after a decade, have drawn candidates from five major political parties—BJP, CPI(M), Congress, Tipra Motha, and CPI(ML)—as well as independents, making the contest highly competitive.

In Balichhara ADC Village, 25 candidates are contesting across seven seats, reflecting the intensity of political engagement in the region. The Balichhara Higher Basic School has been designated as a key polling centre, housing three booths. A total of 1,140 voters are registered here, including 588 men and 552 women, underscoring balanced participation across gender lines.

Officials confirmed that polling has so far been conducted peacefully, with voters queuing patiently to cast their ballots. The use of ballot papers has added a traditional dimension to the process, particularly for younger voters experiencing their first election.

With turnout already crossing the halfway mark by midday, observers expect participation to rise further as the day progresses. The peaceful atmosphere has been welcomed by political parties and local residents alike, who see the elections as a crucial step in strengthening grassroots democracy in the tribal areas.