Security tightened for Tripura's village committee polls

Agartala, Feb 26 (UNI) Security measures have been beefed up in West Tripura in view of tomorrow's election in 1539 village committees in the first phase, official sources said here today.

An additional 40 companies of para-military forces had already been deployed in West Tripura in addition to the existing state and para-military forces to foil any attempt by the militants, who had been operating from their hideouts in Bangladesh, to disrupt the Monday's poll, they added.

The sources said the Border Security Force had been asked to seal the border with Bangladesh in view of the village committee elections. Helicopters had also been pressed into service for air surveillance on the movements of the militants of the outlawed outfits.

Prohibitory orders under 144 Cr PC act had also been promulgated in the sensitive and vulnerable areas. Patrolling by the para-military forces had been intensified in those areas where the militants had been active for quite some time.

The militants had become active before the village committee election and carried out several subversive activities killing at least six people, including four security personnel in the past one month.

Altogether 3359 candidates have been vying for 1539 seats in the first phase of election. In the second phase election on March 3, a total of 7303 candidates will fight for 3102 seats. The poll results will announced on March 6.

UNI RB TJP PG BS1322