Bhutan mock polls: Security alert on border

Siliguri, May 28: Security has been beefed up in this North Bengal city in view of the mock elections being held in Bhutan today.

Seamless security arrangements have been made in the border areas of India and Bhutan.

Sashastra Seema Bal(SSB) and West Bengal Police have jointly cordoned off the border.

Sub-divisional officer of Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri district, Prabhu Dutta David told UNI, ''The SSB and police, with higher officials, have been deployed across the border in several sectors.'' Police were keeping extra watch at Jaigaon, Kumargram and Madarihat border areas to prevent any disturbance.

All business organisations and market complexes here remained closed today. The government also declared a "dry day".

Meanwhile, people in Bhutan were excited about the first upcoming election in their country.

Another mock election was held on April 21. However, this would be the final such trial poll, according to the election commission of Bhutan.

Thereafter, the real election date will be finalised, said an officer of election commission in Bhutan.

He also said Assistant Election Commissioner of Punjab Krishna Kumar and District Election Commissioner of Uttarakhand had been appointed by the Royal Bhutan Government as observors for this mock election.

Only two political parties-Druk Red Party and Druk Yellow Party- were licensed to participate in the election.

Election Commission of Bhutan have ordered voters to carry their Voter Identity Cards while polling.

District Police Chief of Jalpaiguri Tripurari told UNI, ''We are in touch with the security agencies of Royal Bhutan to prevent any kind of disturbance during the election".

UNI