Additional forces to be deployed in Garo Hills
SHILLONG: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has agreed to send more forces to Garo Hills ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in view of the spurt in the activities of militant groups.
The decision to this effect was made during a meeting held by the ECI to review the poll preparedness, here on Saturday.
The meeting chaired by Deputy Election Commissioner Alok Shukla, was attended by State Chief Electoral Officer P Naik, deputy commissioners and police chiefs of all the eleven districts of the State, besides other officials.
An official source on Sunday said that all aspects related to the law and order situation in Garo Hills was dwelt upon during the meeting.
After the issue of militancy in Garo Hills was raised during the meeting, the Election Commission decided to send additional forces to ensure smooth conduct of polls in Garo Hills.
However, the Election Commission told the State Government that the number of para-military forces to be deployed in Garo Hills will be less than what had been sanctioned for the Assembly elections held last year.
Though Meghalaya has two Lok Sabha seats – Shillong and Tura – the situation in Garo Hills is vulnerable with a rise in the incidents of violence due to the presence of a large number of active and armed militant groups
