All 18 booths in War East constituency declared sensitive
SHILLONG: Though there are only seven constituencies which are going to the polls, the hyper-sensitive and sensitive polling stations are many.
While there are nine hyper-sensitive polling stations in East Khasi Hills, which have three poll-bound constituencies, the number of sensitive polling stations is 24 out of the total 86.
There are no hyper-sensitive polling stations under the three constituencies of West Khasi Hills which, however, have 18 sensitive polling stations out of the total 146.
All the 18 polling stations under the lone constituency (War East) in West Jaintia Hills have been declared sensitive while there are six hyper-sensitive polling stations.
The preparedness for the by-polls was discussed in the meeting chaired by Chief Secretary K.S Kropha and attended by the concerned department officials, including the police and the deputy commissioners of respective districts who are the returning officers.
Sources said the meeting decided to deploy adequate police personnel in hyper-sensitive polling stations (two unarmed and four armed constables).
Two each unarmed and armed constables will be deployed in sensitive polling stations.
The number of hyper-sensitive and sensitive polling stations is determined by examining past records and the issue of declaring new polling stations as hyper-sensitive or sensitive will be determined after proper scrutiny, the meeting felt.
According to sources, the respective SPs have been asked to chalk out an action plan based on the sensitive and hyper-sensitive nature of the polling stations. The BSF will also be informed for its co-ordination if the polling stations are close to the border.