Imphal, December 28: The Union Minister of State for Home ID Swami today assured adequate central forces for ensuring peaceful and smooth polling in the two phase State assembly elections.

Manipur will go to the polls on February 14 and 21.The Union minister, who arrived here yesterday to assess the law and order situation in the State in view of the forthcoming Assembly elections, told reporters today that the Centre would provide the strength of paramilitary forces demanded by the State Government.

Swami is accompanied by Joint Secretary Home Surendra Kumar.

The Union minister had a meeting with the Governor Ved Marwah, the two advisors and other top ranking civil and police officials to review the security arrangements for the polls.

Underlining the importance of peaceful atmosphere to elect the right candidates Swami said the prevailing situation in Manipur is conducive for the Assembly elections.

On the other hand, a sum of Rs 3.5 crore has been earmarked for the upcoming State assembly polls and the State has requested the Centre to sanction 56 additional battalions of paramilitary forces for deploying during the elections.

State�s Chief Electoral Officer DS Poonia said the number of security forces battalion increases in view of the two phase elections.

The State had requested Election Commission of India for a three phase poll.

He said that the Union Minister of State for Home ID Swami who is currently in the state has been apprised of the need for more security personnel.

Five polling personnel including one presiding officer will be deployed in each polling station.

The election will have 2001 polling stations out of which 911 are in the valley and 1090 including seven ACs of Thoubal district in the hills, he said.

The CEO said that some hill polling stations are devoid of any voter as the villagers have fled homes during the Naga-Kuki clashes.