Uttar Pradesh: Tight security in naxalite belt

Mirzapur, Apr 30: Ahead of the crucial sixth phase of UttarPradesh Assembly elections on May 3, unprecedented securityarrangements have been made at all the naxalite-infested areas of theMirzapur 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 largenumber of paramilitary forces would be deployed at all 88 pollingsensitive booths in the naxalite belt.'' To ensure free and fairpolling, the security personnel deployed would be two days in advance.The paramilitary force will also do a flag march so that the peoplefeel free to come out of their house and exercise their franchise, MrShukla 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 anencounter. A foolprof strategy had been made to counter any attack ofthe 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 beheld along with the May 3 polling. A total of 11 candidates each are inthe fray for the Robertganj and Mirzapur Parliamentary by-election.

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

UNI

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