State heeds ECI's instructions to effect change in post of top cop ahead of polls
Ratnakar Baral takes over as Manipur DGP
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 05 2012: In a sudden development ahead of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections, the State Government, in accordance with an instruction from the Election Commission of India, has appointed Additional DGP Ratnakar Baral as DGP of the State in place of Y Joykumar with immediate effect.

An order was issued by the Under Secretary to the Government of Manipur KC Laishram today.

Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi accompanied by Election Commissioners VS Sampath and HS Bramha arrived at Imphal today and held a meeting with representatives of different political parties at Old Secretariat conference hall.

During the meeting, many political parties maintained that former DGP Y Joykumar was 'too concerned' with the election process.

Speaking to media persons at the meeting venue, the Chief Election Commissioner stated that a new DGP was appointed in place of Joykumar because of his 'uncanny concern' .

Joykumar has been re-posted as Managing Director of Manipur Police Housing Corporation (MPHC) while former MPHC Managing Director T Pachuau has been given the post of IGP (Administration) .

THe ECI team addresses the media and (inset) the new DGP, R Baral

During the meeting, political parties raised apprehension about possible rigging, bogus voting and sale of voter identity cards in the ensuing elections.

They also complained about the slow process of distributing voter ID cards.

To this, the CEC assured that all voter ID cards would be distributed within the next ten days.

In the afternoon, CEC Dr Quraishi held a meeting with the Chief Secretary, the Chief Electoral Officer and the new DGP.

After listening to the complaints of some political parties about Ministers and ruling MLAs misusing Government vehicles and issuing work orders, the CEC asked the Chief Secretary to ensure that the election model code of conduct is not violated by any candidate or political party.

The CEC also held another meeting with the Chief Secretaries, DGPs, CEOs and Home Secretaries of Assam, Nagaland and Mizoram.

The meeting discussed the sealing of inter-State borders and prevention of cross-border transportation of liquor and weapons.

Dr Quraishi informed that separate oil pumps would be opened exclusively for vehicles requisitioned for the polls, political parties and candidates.

He informed that all voters would be photographed showing their inked fingers after voting and explained about other measures taken up by the ECI to check rigging and bogus voting.

For transportation of security forces detailed for election duty in Manipur, the Railway Minister has arranged 26 trains.

To facilitate effective expenditure monitoring officials by Income Tax officials, all candidates have been asked to open separate bank accounts whereas bank officials have been told expedite the process of bank accounts as fast as possible, Dr Quraishi stated.

In addition to 12 expenditure observers, 60 assistance observers and 18 general observers, flying squads and surveillance teams have also been constituted for the ensuing elections.

The CEC also appealed to the public not to carry around any substantial amount of money without supporting documents during election time.

On being asked about the ban announced by UG groups against Congress party, the CEC stated that security guards would be given to each candidate based on the threats perceived by them.

He also disclosed that Assam Rifles guarding Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur would be strengthened and made more vigilant.

On being asked about the NPF, Dr Quraishi while maintaining that he has no information at the moment, stated that the point has been noted.