Section 144 of CrPC clamped across East Tripura constituency

Talking to media CEO Sriram Taranikanti said that taking the experiences of first phase election in West Tripura on April 11 last, ECI had to issue prohibitory order of public assembly while allowed only one table, two chairs, one flag and one festoon with only two persons for the help desk of different political parties at least 200 metres away from each polling station.

“We have got sufficient central paramilitary forces (CPF) and police from other states for East Tripura elections besides, Tripura police and TSR. About 85 per cent of the polling booths will be managed exclusively by CPF and rest of the booths would have sufficient number of TSR and armed police. Besides, a strong flying squad in each of the assembly segment will be present,” Taranikanti said.

He advised the voters and civilians not to venture out violating the prohibitory order for the next two days in poll-bound areas. The CPF jawans have been positioned in each of the locality and patrolling; flag marches and enhances surveillance of the movement of people including political parties to build up the confidence of the voters.

“All the political parties were asked to restrain their cadres from any attempt of unlawful activities and police has already launched intensive search operation against outsiders who don’t have a vote in the particular constituency including hotels, guest houses and localities. If anybody is found violating the direction ECI would take strong actions,” he pointed out.

While urging polling staff and election machinery to conduct election following rules and law, CEO reminded that ECI has built up the mechanism to protect the officers and employees from criminal gangs but they have to be very cautious about their neutrality in discharge of their duties otherwise, strong action will be taken.

He said several level of security and surveillance mechanism have been put in place for East Tripura constituency.

“Sector police officers have been instructed to escort the polling agents in the booths on demand and send them back to home after polling if required polling agents will be provided security afterwards too in special case but no way any criminal attempt will be entertained,” he said.

Taranikanti reiterated that ECI has been scrutinizing all the complaints raised by different political parties in regard to election in West Tripura and soon the commission will take the decision about the demands of the political parties. The RO of West Tripura has been in a job against misconduct and unlawful activities of the polling staff.

Meanwhile, ruling BJP today accused ECI officials of Tripura of working in favour of opposition parties and urged the commission to ensure the neutrality of ECI to ensure free and fair polling.