EC sends para commandos to tackle naxals during UP elections

Lucknow, May 1 (UNI) The Election Commission has requisitioned the services of Army's elite para commandos to deal with the naxal threat during phase VI of Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

The para commandos, to be stationed at Varanasi, will carry out aerial surveillance in the naxal-effected districts of Sonebhadra, Mirzapur and Chandauli. ''They will rush to the site of the extingency using a helicopter,'' said state additional chief electoral officer (CEO) Mritunjay Narain.

This is perhaps for the first time in the history of the state when Army commandos are being used to tackle naxalites during elections.

'' The army copter, along with the commandos, would reach Varanasi tomorrow and will stay there till Thursday evening when all the polling parties reach the strong room along with their EVMs'', he said.

Mr Narain said about 500 polling booths of these three naxal affected districts would have exclusive deployment of central para military forces(CPMF) and each polling party will be escorted by CPMF personnel.

Besides, the CPMF have started carrying out 'flag march' in the naxalite areas and patrolling has been intensified.

Meanwhile, DIG (Varanasi range) R P Singh said army helicopter has been sought following apprehensions that naxals might carry out attacks on polling personnel. ''The naxals are frustrated following the killings of their top leaders,'' he added.

On the other hand, a couple of banned naxalite outfits have distributed pamphlets in the three districts threatening the voters not to participate in the democratic process.

UNI