Security tightened in btad areas

Kokrajhar, Apr 6 (UNI) Security has been tightened in all the four districts of Bodoland Territorial Areas District (BTAD) in Asom going to the polls on April 10.

Talking to UNI, BTAD IGP R M Singh informed that 23 companies of armed forces were deployed in Kokrajhar, 11 each in Chirang and Bagsa and 22 in Udalguri.

''Most forces were taking up position for smooth conduct of polls, along with the police and magistrates, in each district, he said.

He further said the army had been put on alert in the region and two columns of army were on random patrol from Dotma to Gossaigaon.

He identified Kokrajhar East constituency as the 'most sensitive' constituency in the BTAD.

Mr Singh informed that around 14 ex-BLT and ABSU workers had been arrested in Kokrajhar district and six in Chirang district.

''Around four NDFB cadres were detained for disturbing peace and some more might be arrested,'' he said. He added that the NDFB had been cautioned to refrain from violence as it was into cease fire.

Licensed guns and weapons had also been seized, he added.

He also informed that 65 per cent polling stations were identified as 'highly sensitive' and 'sensitive' and would be provided with armed forces.

Strict vigil was being maintained along the Indo-Bhutan and Asom-Bengal borders, he added.

UNI XC-SG PL KLC1548