Lapang seeks add security ahead of polls

Shillong, Jan 4: With a series of agitations lined up and election fever hotting up, Meghalaya Chief Minister DD Lapang today sought 45 additional companies of central paramilitary forces for deployment in the state, even as the district administration has clamped prohibitory orders here.

In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Mr Lapang said, ''there was a need to take adequate precautions to ensure that there was no disruption (of peace) by inimical forces from neighbouring state of Assam and other organizations of the north eastern states.'' The chief minister also sought 'adequate' women component of central paramilitary force from the central government.

Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Bhalang Dhar said section 144 CrPC had been clamped in Shillong city in view of the Khasi Students Union's announcement to take to the street in protest against the Congress-led government decision handing over power projects to private companies.

KSU president Samuel Jyrwa said the students' body would take out a protest march starting from its office to the main secretariat on January 7. On January 9 the students' body would hold road blockade from 0005 hours to 1700 hours in East, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi district of the state, he said.

The road blockade would also affect traffic on National Highways 40 and 44 connecting south Assam, Mizoram, Tripura and parts of Manipur.

The KSU has called the bandh in East, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi district.

Not just the KSU, six Cabinet ministers had also opposed the government decision and signed a letter of protest addressed to the chief minister expressing their concern over the Cabinet decision to hand over power projects to private parties.

Mr Lapang had earlier said he would consult his Cabinet colleagues before taking a decision on the deal.

UNI