Tripura to opt for surface transport during elections

Agartala, Jan 31 (UNI) The state election department has announced that no helicopter would be provided for polling parties in certain traditionally backward and remote localities in Tripura during the Assembly elections.

Talking to newspersons here today, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr G S G Ayyanger said considering the inclement weather and strong gusty wind, the department would not risk sending polling parties by helicopter to the 21 remote localities this time.

''Since the weather is most unpredictable in a hilly state like Tripura, we would not send the polling officials by air routes because if the helicopters cannot take off on time, it would be very difficult for us to conduct elections in those areas on the day. We have decided to send the officials along with adequate security contingent at least a day before the schedule departure,'' Dr Ayyanger stated.

He said the transport and police departments were asked to manage at least 5000 different category vehicles for election purpose besides, the arrangement of some stand by vehicles.

Dr Ayyanger, pointed out that the law and order situation in Tripura had improved a lot in the past one year and most of the areas were connected by surface transport. As the state would get sufficient security personnel for the election, the department would opt for surface transport for the polling parties.

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