Security beefed up under cloud of bombs
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 13, 2012:
In view of the ban announced by the CorCom of seven militant outfits against the Congress party and the subsequent attacks against its offices, workers and candidates, security measures have been tightened all over the State.
Chief Electoral Officer PC Lawmkunga conveyed that the DGP and the SPs concerned have been issued strong instructions to check armed attacks against Congress candidates and their supporters.
To check the armed attacks which have been exclusively targeting Congress party, frisking and checking exercises have been made more vigorous and intensive.
Intelligence units have been activated round the clock to thwart bomb attacks as far as possible.
Altogether 350 companies of Central paramilitary forces and State armed police would be deployed in the elections.
These include 120 companies of CRPF, 96 BSF companies, 10 companies of ITBP, 30 SSB companies, 22 ASM companies, five OSA companies, four RPF companies, five BHR companies, six AP companies, six MIZO companies, six TRA companies, 16 JHAR companies and 20 CISF companies.
Out of the 350 companies of security forces detailed for election duty in Manipur, 200 companies have arrived here till January 12. 100 companies would arrive in the second phase followed by the remaining 50 companies in the third phase.
The CEO exuded confidence that the local police would be able to reduce the incidents of bomb attacks once the full strength of Central paramilitary forces detailed for election duty arrive at Imphal.
He informed that security escorts would be given to all the candidates who applied for it and added that the same process has been already initiated.
The DGP has been directed to issue necessary instructions so that the central paramilitary forces discharge their duty with full alertness and also not to let any suspected person off the hook.
The Central paramilitary forces who have arrived at Imphal have been deployed in different districts.
Moreover, an election control room has been already opened in 1st Bn Manipur Rifles, conveyed Lawmkunga.
On other hand, CorCom orchestrated bomb and firing attacks at seven different places on January 9, four places on January 10, three places on January 11 and at two places on January 12 as claimed by the Committee.