EC, police keep close watch

SHILLONG: The Election Commission and the police are keeping a close watch on the political developments in the state with less than five months to next year’s Assembly elections.
For instance, West Shillong, a constituency located in the heart of the city, has of late been subject to a series of violent incidents believed to be triggered by political rivalry.
Unidentified miscreants on Monday morning hurled a petrol bomb at the residence of local MLA
Paul Lyngdoh which hit the front portion of the house causing minor damage to the property.
Just a day before, miscreants damaged CCTV cameras installed outside the office of Congress candidate from West Shillong constituency, Mohendro Rapsang, at Pdengshnong in Lower Mawprem.
On August 26, miscreants targeted the residence of Joydeep Sharma, who is the president of UDP’s youth wing in West Shillong constituency.
However, no damage either to property or person was reported.
When contacted, sources from the Election Commission said the role of the Election Commission would begin after the elections and it would continue till the holding of the polls.
Speaking on the matter, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Davis Marak said the police are keeping a close watch on the law and order situation.
He further said the police have started vulnerability mapping in the politically-sensitive areas.
“Based on the mapping, we will have a plan for the elections in regard to maintenance of law and order, deployment of police personnel besides taking confidence building measures in the entire polling constituency,” the police officer said.
Marak said police at the moment was doing normal patrolling in the city besides picking up those who create trouble.
“As incidents are reported, we register the cases and appropriate action is being followed,” he said.