Mahto killing: UP candidates to get security in naxalite belt

Lucknow, Mar 7 (UNI) In the wake of assassination of JMM MP Sunil Mahto, The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to provide security for candidates of recognised political parties from the naxal-infested segments in the forthcoming assembly elections.

A top police official confirmed to UNI that candidates contesting the assembly elections in Mirzapur, Chandauli and Sonebhadra districts would be provided with at least four armed bodyguards.

''While one would carry a 9 mm carbine, the three others would be armed with self-loading rifles (SLRs). The number of armed guards could increase depending on local intelligence inputs on the threat perception to the particular candidate,'' he added.

The decision was taken partly after the killing of Mr Mahato by naxalites in Basuria of East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand on March 4.

Meanwhile, police is keeping a close watch on naxalites following the killing of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader. ''During phase VI elections, only 52 constituencies would go for polls to ensure that adequate security forces are present in a smaller area to contain any naxal threat,'' he added.

He said a team of Special Protection Group (SPG) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) would sensitise the police officials of Varanasi zone ahead of elections in the area on VVIP security in the naxal areas.

''The experts would deal with VIP movement, roadshows, public interaction, helipad protection and mine detection,'' he informed.

UNI