Lok Sabha Election Central Force Deployed Before Second Phase Of Lok Sabha Poll

Ruma Pal, Kolkata: Turmoil in the first phase of the Lok Sabha Election. Election Commission warned to prevent violence in the second round. There are 272 companies of central forces in the security of April 26 polls. In the first phase of the election, pictures of confusion have come to the fore in several places in Cooch Behar. The alarm rang repeatedly in the CEO’s office.

Caught up in the webcasting, there was also a mess in the booth. In the second phase, the number of quick response teams has been increased to 270 companies. There are 73 companies of Central Force and 73 companies of QRT in South Dinajpur. Darjeeling has 51 companies of Central Army and 53 companies of QRT. Kalimpong has 16 companies of central forces and 15 companies of QRT. Siliguri has 21 companies of Central Force and 21 companies of QRT. 60 companies of central force and 60 companies of QRT in Raiganj. 51 Company Central Force and 51 Company QRT in Islampur.

Central forces have arrived in the area long before the polls. They are doing route march in different areas. When the Lok Sabha polls begin after four days, the Election Commission has informed what the central forces or the state armed police should do.

During the polls, the commission has issued guidelines regarding the duties of the central forces and the state armed police and said that poll workers, voters and polling agents should be treated courteously. The instructions of the presiding officer must be followed. In case of any accident in the polling station or on the premises, action should be taken impartially and promptly. Steps should be taken so that people feel safe and can vote without any fear. Security of important persons and candidates should be ensured during the campaign. Voters must control the line. Be careful to identify those who are trying to cause trouble. Any observation should be reported to Sector Officer and Observer. If there is any danger of breach of law and order, it should be brought to the notice of Presiding Officer or Sector Officer.

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The Election Commission has also given clear guidelines on what the central forces and the state armed police will not do. It is said there, indiscriminate firing cannot be done. To ensure the safety of voters and EVMs and to fire as a last resort in self-defence. Abusive words cannot be used. Do not use unnecessary force. Election Commission guidelines on the role of central forces and state armed police state that no person or party can be asked to vote.

On the other hand, the National Election Commission has taken a novel approach to prevent allegations of EVM tampering in the strong room. Commission’s decision, from now on the representatives of all political parties will be in charge of surveillance outside the strong room. They can set up camp outside the strong room and conduct surveillance. A platoon i.e. 24 Central Force soldiers will be deployed outside each strong room. Every two hours the Returning Officer shall visit the strong room and record the situation. If a candidate wants to see the strong room conditions, he has to go through the three-tier security system. Candidates cannot carry anything except white paper and pen. Candidates have to enter the strong room by registering their name, address and mobile phone number.

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