Security remains the main concern in coming polls: EC

Kathmandu, Feb 29 (UNI) With less than one-and-a-half months remaining for the Constituent Assembly elections in Nepal the security scenario in the Terai districts remained a cause for concern.

Election Commissioner Usha Nepal yesterday asked the government to step up security in these districts, especially in a few Terai and eastern districts, so that "the situation does not go out of control".

She said the EC has sent necessary items to all the districts for the April 10 election despite "sporadic disturbances" in the areas like Siraha, Saptari, Udayapur, Bara and Nawalparasi.

EC returning officers were attacked in Nawalparasi, while supporters of the agitating Madhesi front detonated a bomb at the election office in Bara last week.

"We have informed the government of such attacks on returning officers," Ms Nepal said, in The Himalayan Times adding that the commission has received a positive response from the government.

She said the EC was optimistic that minor disturbances would not affect the elections since the people and the political parties wanted them to happen on time.

The government has provided the EC with army helicopters for use in in the conflict-affected districts.

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