Don't venture out after dark: EC tells candidates
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 08, 2012:
With seven militant outfits banning canvassing by Congress candidates, the Election Commission has issued an advisory asking poll nominees not to venture out after dark and remain alert all the time.
State chief electoral officer (CEO) PC Lawmkunga said that the commission issued advisories to all candidates contesting polls to remain extra careful and avoid going out after dark.
The candidates have been told to keep police informed about their activities, he added.
The CEO further maintained that the EC has instructed police to ensure that no harm is done to candidates and their party offices.
Newly appointed state DGP, Ratnakar Baral said police are not taking the threat from underground organizations lightly.
He mentioned that the police headquarters have given clear instructions to its personnel to attached to the candidates and be ready for any type of emergency situations.
The task for the State police is to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election, he added.
Highlighting the State's ever biggest deployment of security forces in the elections, the DGP said 350 companies of central forces would start arriving in the State from January 10. Baral added that the entry points to the state have already been put under strict surveillance to prevent smuggling of illegal arms and liquor.
He said nine persons have been arrested for carrying a lathod gun and lobbing a grenade in Imphal on Friday.