Security measures tightened ahead of repoll in 34 booths today
IB inputs warn of IM interference
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 03, 2012:
Following reports from the Intelligence Bureau that NSCN-IM would attempt to secure maximum votes for the candidates sponsored by them, the State Government has tightened security measures in all areas where re-poll would be held tomorrow.
The IB has informed the State Government that NSCN-IM in spite of being under ceasefire pact with the Government of India, may resort to all kinds of arm twisting tactics to threaten voters and force them to vote in favour of candidates sponsored by them.
They may even go to the extent of capturing booths, mentioned the IB report.
The IB has also furnished a list of polling stations where additional security measures are needed.
Significantly the IB report comes a few days after Union Home Minister P Chidambaram informed the media that the Government has received inputs of the involvement of the NSCN (IM) in the election in Manipur.
The Minister's statement came on February 1. The Chief Electoral Officer had echoed the same point.
Meanwhile, polling personnel detailed for election duty at the nine polling stations of Chingai AC have left for their place of duty today.
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Already 10 companies of central paramilitary forces have been deployed in these areas for area domination and to thwart any sort of disruptive or subversive activities.
Six companies of CPMF would be deployed in and around the eight polling stations of Chandel district where re-poll would be held.
Eight companies of CPMF would be utilised in Senapati district, four companies in Tamenglong district and five in Churachandpur district.
It is reported that all the polling personnel have reached their respective polling stations.
In all, 28,076 voters would cast their votes in 34 polling stations spread across 11 Assembly segments during re-poll tomorrow.
The State Government has declared holiday in areas covered by these 34 polling stations.
Notably, the Chief Electoral Officer has already directed security officers to ensure that all polling agents are identified first and all voters frisked at the entrance to election booths.