Security beefed up for second phase village election in Tripura

Agartala, Mar 2 (UNI) Security measures have been tightened in Tripura's Dhalai and South districts in view of tomorrow's election to the village committees.

Additional companies of para-military forces had already been deployed in the two districtws 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 tomorrow's poll.

Official 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 sometime.

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.

Over 4,000 candidates have been vying for 1563 seats in the second phase of election. The poll results will be announced on March 6.

UNI RB BA SS1218