SHILLONG, Feb 9: Claiming that the pre-poll violence in Phulbari constituency on Tuesday was a one off case, the West Garo Hills district administration is carrying out flag marches, putting more boots on the ground and holding meetings with representatives of political parties and peace committees to keep the law-and-order situation under control.
“As of now the situation is normal. Two cases have been registered from both sides. If anyone indulges in violence again we will not spare anyone and strict action will be taken,” asserted West Garo Hills SP, Vivekanand Singh.
Stating that the incident occurred since supporters of both TMC and NPP coincidentally were at the same place at the same time, he said a team had been dispatched but the incident occurred before they could reach the spot.
Singh said police have zeroed down on as many as 140 accused who have been made to execute a bond to refrain from indulging in such acts failing which they would be booked under preventive detention and fines will be imposed on them.
On steps taken to instil security in the area, the SP said a joint flag march with the central armed para-military force was taken out and the SDPO is camping in the area and will remain there until the elections are over.
Informing that three companies of the CAPF have already been posted in the plain belts of the region from Tikrikilla upto Rajabala, Singh said around 25 additional companies of the CAPF will be deployed in the district.
He said that exercises like area domination and setting up of more checkposts is being done and it will only intensify as the poll inches closer.
“We will also be holding peace committee meetings in days to come and a series of flag marches have also been planned. We will do everything possible to not let such thing happen but if somebody indulges we will take strict action,” he added.
On concerns of a spill-over effect of the violence, he said there is nothing on the ground as things are peaceful and situation is under control.
