Twin by-polls preparations in place; border vigil heightened

SHILLONG/ TURA/ MAWKYRWAT: The State Election Department is all set to hold the twin by-polls in South Tura and Ranikor on Thursday.
Talking to media persons here on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer Frederick R Kharkongor said the first level checking of EVMs and VVPATs to be used in the 65 polling stations in Ranikor and 35 in South Tura was completed.
Kharkongor held a video conference with the deputy commissioner and SP of West Garo Hills on Monday to ensure free and fair poll. He also asked election officials to remind polling personnel to clear mock polls. “Outside campaigners will have to go as soon as the campaign ends after 5pm on Tuesday,” he added.
Eight companies of central forces – two companies of CRPF and three companies each of ITBP and BSF – have been deployed. The BSF team will be deployed in Ranikor that shares a long border with Bangladesh.
South West Khasi Hills SP Herbert Lyngdoh said BSF would seal the border and the district police with work in tandem with the sentinels.
“We don’t perceive any threat that can hamper polling,” he added.
The police are also coordinating with headmen and village defence parties. Naka has been imposed at different points.
The district magistrate of South West Khasi Hills has promulgated Section 144 of the CrPC in the constituency.
CRPF IGP Prakash D, who was reviewing security arrangement, stressed the need for recovery vans, cranes or bulldozers and ambulances at vantage points for emergency. He held a meeting at Mawkyrwat Circuit House.
Prakash discussed issues related to strong room, EVM security and deployment of forces at polling booths. All officials and security personnel were asked to be cooperative and friendly.
The IGP CRPF also drew the attention towards medical and emergency facilities on the poll day.
Kharkongor said election officials seized Rs 12,86,000 in Ranikor in the last two days and the appellate committee headed by the deputy commissioner was investigating the money trail.
In Ranikor, the deputy commissioner has appointed 10 runners to communicate with officials in remote areas.
Over 29,000 voters are there in Ranikor and South Tura has over 31,000.
Political leaders and party workers from outside the two constituencies have been barred.
The election officer in Ranikor has instructed the police chief in the district and the zonal magistrate to ensure that all outsiders leave the constituency after the campaign period is over.
Exit polls have also been restricted following the Election Commission guidelines. Displaying any election matter, including opinion poll or survey results in electronic media will be prohibited during the 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of polling.