By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Following reports of intimidation by GNLA militants, the East Garo Hills district administration has taken precautions and confidence building measures among the voters.
On January 31 GNLA cadres targeted Jonathone Sangma, the Independent candidate contesting from Williamanagar in East Garo Hills by a firing a few gun shots near the forest area at Dawa Songgitalgre where the candidate was holding a public meeting.
Later, Sangma in a complaint lodged with the East Garo Hills district administration alleged that after hearing the sound of gun shots his supporters ran away from the meeting out of fear.
Sangma also alleged that the GNLA was issued a threat letter to villagers of Chachagre asking them not to vote for him.
“Another threat letter was issued to the people of Rongkinggre by GNLA directing them not to vote for the independent candidate and Markus (NPP)”, Sangma said, adding that the person who delivered the letter also asked people to vote for Congress candidate Deborah Marak.
Sangma urged the district administration to the elections in abeyance “since the threat perception looms large.”
When contacted, East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mantri said he had received the letter and the same was forwarded to the Election Commission for necessary action.
To counter the intimidation of voters by GNLA, the district administration has decided to urge people to vote without fear through the public address system fitted it the vehicles of flying squads.
“We are trying to build confidence in the minds of people by announcing that there is secrecy of voting and also assuring the voters that no one will reveal whom the people have voted”, Mantri said.
To instill the sense of security, the district administration also deployed central para military forces.
A company of BSF also staged a flag march in Williamnagar on Thursday.