Tight security in naxalite belt

Mirzapur, Apr 30 (UNI) Ahead of the crucial sixth phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections on May 3, unprecedented security arrangements have been made at all the naxalite-infested areas of the Mirzapur division.

Talking to UNI here today, District Magistrate D C Shukla said ''48 hrs before the election, all the borders with Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar would be sealed for security reasons, while a large number of paramilitary forces would be deployed at all 88 polling sensitive booths in the naxalite belt.'' To ensure free and fair polling, the security personnel deployed would be two days in advance. The paramilitary force will also do a flag march so that the people feel free to come out of their house and exercise their franchise, Mr Shukla added.

He said state DGP G L Sharma has reviewed the arrangements and the Election Commission (EC) has been informed, he said.

Notorious naxalite Sanjay Kol had already been gunned down in an encounter. A foolprof strategy had been made to counter any attack of the maoists, who might seek revenge of Kol's killing, sources said.

Meanwhile, campaigning for the sixth phase will come to an end tomorrow evening.

Bypoll for Mirzapur and Robertsganj Lok Sabha seats will also be held along with the May 3 polling. A total of 11 candidates each are in the fray for the Robertganj and Mirzapur Parliamentary by-election.

The by-elections for both the Lok Sabha seat was necessiated following disqualification of the BSP MPs involved in the cash-for-question scam.

UNI