BJP presses for central observers to conduct polls

SHILLONG: In the wake of the brutal killing of Jonathone Sangma, the NCP candidate from Williamnagar, the BJP has demanded deployment of central observers in the state to ensure free and fair polls.
Addressing reporters on Monday, party spokesperson Nalin Kohli pointed to the turbulent law and order situation in certain pockets of the Garo Hills.
According to Kohli, central police observers must actively take charge with regard to deployment of forces to monitor the law and order situation especially in the volatile pockets.
Slamming the Congress, he said the state government was trying to pass the buck on to the Centre while law and order is a subject on the state list.
“Has the state government ever admitted that it had failed to gather necessary inputs and, therefore, needed central assistance? This issue has suddenly reared its head ahead of the polls and targeting opposition parties and leaders is not only futile but a devious strategy too,” he said.
Commenting on whether Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh should step down over the breakdown of law and order in the state, Kohli said Lyngdoh showed his true colours by not stepping down after ) the infamous rape incident at Marvelene’s Inn.
Slamming the chief minister over his comment about a “perfect” law and order situation prevailing in Meghalaya, the BJP state-in-charge said it was high time that the “unholy nexus” between militants and politicians is broken as it has no place in a democracy.
According priority to enhancing central security forces in the state to ensure protection to voters and candidates, he said deployment of additional forces in the volatile pockets was essential to conduct free and fair elections.
Stating that there has to be clarity on intelligence inputs, Kohli said, “We demand that the number of central security forces be increased to ensure that vulnerable segments of the population, especially in the Garo Hills but not excluding Khasi and Jaintia Hills, are protected.”
Additional security assessments have to be in place so that politicians or functionaries opposed to the Congress don’t feel intimidated, he maintained.
Recalling that the BJP had submitted a representation to election officials on February 15, Kohli said the role of the Election Commission is important and security assessments have to be made on a priority basis.
“Some of our leaders in the Garo Hills who had expected security or sought security prior to the elections are yet to receive it,” he added.