Security beefed up for Asom polls

Guwahati, Mar 27 (UNI) Security continues to be a major concern for the Assembly polls in Asom even as the Centre requisitioned 300 additional central forces for the state.

In the previous polls, only about 50 additional companies were sent to the state. With the arrival of 300 more companies, the total number of Central forces have gone up to 417.

117 companies of Central forces were already stationed in Asom and in addition to that, 10 companies each were posted along the Asom-Nagaland border and Karbi Anglong district and three companies were being used in static duties.

A sizeable number of Assam Police battalions were stationed at vital installations like railway tracks, oil installations and others leaving about 50 companies of Assam Police for poll duty.

However, the Army would not be deployed near polling stations and would be used only in 'vulnerable' areas.

Security concerns for polls cover mainly three components -- guarding of polling stations, maintenance of law and order and providing security to candidates and election observers.

Though the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) had issued a statement that it would maintain equidistance from all parties in the polls, the Election Commission (EC) was not taking any chances.

As per intelligence reports with the police, BJP and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leaders formed the more vulnerable lot. However, adequate security cover was being provided to all candidates.

Barring the ULFA, major insurgent groups in the state were into cease-fire with the Centre.

However, reports of entry of jehadis from Bangladesh with the intention to create trouble during the polls, particularly in Dhubri and Nagaon districts, have added to the discomfort of the authorities.

Security guards at international borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar had been asked to remain alert while the matter was being taken up with the EC so that it was dealt with at the highest level.

The security forces were also on alert to prevent ultras from sneaking into the state from neighbouring Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh and other known routes used by the militants.

UNI SG KK SHR GC2010