Improve law, order for peaceful civic polls: SEC

VARANASI: State Election Commissioner (SEC) SK Agarwal on Sunday instructed district officials to take strict action against criminals, habitual offenders, historysheeters and mafia to ensure peaceful civic elections and improve law, order.

Elections for local bodies will be held in three phases in November.

In view of some caste and communal clashes during the last few months, Agarwal said four districts in Kashi region out of 10— Ballia, Azamgarh, Ghazipur and Varanasi—were declared ‘sensitive’ and local administration in these areas must identify anti-social elements and act against them.

Interacting with mediapersons after reviewing law and order situation, Agarwal said, “District magistrates and superintendents of police of all the districts have been instructed not to ignore even trivial criminal incidents and ensure prompt action so that it doesn’t snowball into anything major.”

Officials have been asked to get an audit done of the ammunition issued to licensed shops selling arms. In case of any irregularity, strict action should be ensured. “Arms of such license holders, who may create trouble, should be deposited,” he said.

When asked if he was satisfied with the law and order condition in the region, he said, “The situation has improved. But more needs to be done to improve the condition further.”

Later, giving details about the election, Agarwal said 10 percent polling booths in the state had been identified as sensitive. “CCTV cameras will be installed at sensitive polling booths and drones will be used to monitor them. Webcasting will also be done, however, decision about how many drones to be deployed will be taken after assessment of requirement of CCTV cameras,” the SEC added. EVMs will be used for mayoral election while ballot papers will be used in election at municipal council and town areas.

On a question, about the feasibility of deploying teachers of intermediate classes on poll duty, as practical examination of class 12 were also scheduled in November, he clarified those who would conduct the examination would not be deployed for election. “An order to this effect will be issued soon,” he said.

Besides, liquor shops will be closed 48 hours before the election and border of the district will also be sealed. Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Home Guards jawans will be deployed on poll duty.

“All results will be announced by 4pm on December 1 and will be available on the website of the commission,” he concluded.