200 companies of CAPFs for LS polls in state
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 14 2024:
Ahead of the forthcoming General Election to the Lok Sabha 2024, the Election Commission of India has taken proactive measures to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the electoral process.
In a recent development, the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states and Union Territories (UTs) collectively requested for deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to assist in various election-related duties.
Responding to these requests, the Election Commission has approved the deployment of a maximum of around 3400 companies (Coys) of CAPFs across all states and UTs.
This deployment will be carried out in a phased manner, aimed at bolstering security measures and instilling confidence among voters.
A total of 200 companies of CAPFs will be used for the LS polls in Manipur.
IPS officer Kabib K has been appointed as State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) for the state.
The deployment of CAPFs will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including area domination, confidence-building measures, poll day operations, safeguarding of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and strong room centres, as well as ensuring security during the counting process.
It is emphasised that the specified number of CAPF companies represents the maximum mobilisation to be deployed during any particular phase of the elections and will be retained in a State/UT post-polling.
Detailed plans regarding the advance deployment of CAPFs and the phased induction of companies will be communicated to the concerned authorities within stipulated timelines.
To facilitate effective deployment strategies, each CAPF company is advised to include a minimum of 18 deployable half sections.
This will enable authorities to formulate deployment plans with precision and efficiency, ensuring adequate coverage of sensitive areas.
Furthermore, the Election Commission has urged for proportionality in the requisitioning of State Armed Police Forces (SAPs) for election-related duties, taking into account the sensitivity and law and order situations of respective states/UTs.
States and UTs are requested to be informed in advance about the scale of requisitioning to facilitate proper planning of their own forces for election duties.
In cases where ad-hoc battalions of CAPFs are formed, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been called upon to ensure seamless logistical arrangements.
This includes directing the Central CAPF Nodal Officer to designate seats or coaches in trains for different companies within the ad-hoc battalion, thereby avoiding confusion and inconvenience during their transportation.
Moreover, the chairman of the Railway Board has been instructed to provide adequate rolling stock with appropriate facilities to facilitate the hassle-free mobilization and timely movement of security forces to their designated electionduty locations.