All security measures in place, expect massive turnout: Chief Electoral Officer ahead of bye-polls
Frederick Roy Kharkongor also brushed off recent threats by the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) against voting for a particular political party, saying that it is unlikely that such threats will have any impact on the voting process.
SHILLONG:
A detailed plan of action has been put in place to counter any kind of intimidation against the electorate during the bye-elections in East Khasi Hills district on October 30, informed Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor, after reviewing the security arrangements in Mawryngkneng and Mawphlang constituencies, on October 28.
“They (police) have detailed a plan of action to counter any intimidation,” he said, informing that one company of security personnel has been deployed in each of the two constituencies. “These companies have been divided into various sections and they are undertaking long-range patrolling (LRP) maintaining surveillance of the areas as well as houses of the candidates,” he said.
Kharkongor also brushed off recent threats by the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) against voting for a particular political party, saying that it is unlikely that such threats will have any impact on the voting process. “If you look at the number of people attending the various election campaigns, it’s unlikely that they will be affected by any intimidation,” he said.
“We don’t see any reason why the turnout should be low. If one takes people’s attendance in the campaigns into consideration and the kind of enthusiasm they have shown, there should be a massive turnout,” he further added.
In addition to Mawryngkneng and Mawphlang, security has also been beefed up in Rajabala constituency following the clash between supporters of two political parties on October 27, said Kharkongor.
The CEO informed that they are closely monitoring the situation, and have placed six tracking reserves in and around the area for area domination as well as for patrolling. "The Deputy Commissioner's office and Police Department are working in close coordination with the election department," he said.
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