BHAWANIPATNA: The three-tier panchayat elections will be held as scheduled and there is no threat from the Maoists. The voters should go ahead and exercise their franchise in the panchayat elections without any fear, said Director-General of Police (DGP) KB Singh. He assured them that police was geared up to provide the required protection. The DGP made a similar appeal to government employees deputed for election work.
Addressing mediapersons here after reviewing the situation of three Maoist-infested districts of Nuapada, Kalahandi and Balangir here on Saturday, Singh exuded confidence that election would be free from any violence by the Maoists. Police have been directed to be on high alert and foil any attempt to disrupt the poll process.
Sensitive booths in Maoist-infested areas have been identified and adequate security arrangements will be made in those areas, the DGP said, adding that care has also been taken to ensure that there is no booth capturing or snatching of ballot boxes and EVM machines.
Singh said the Maoists’ organisation was getting weak in the three districts and so also their stronghold over South Odisha. They have lost public support and sympathy and are on the run after being demoralised. Combing operations jointly by the police, District Voluntary Force, Special Operation Group and CRPF have been intensified and a vigil is being kept on the Maoists and anti-social elements, he said.
Earlier, Singh reviewed the situation with the SPs of the three districts in the presence of IG (Intelligence) Sunil Ray and IG (Operations) RP Koche, DIG (SIW) Narsingh Bhol and DIG (South West) S Shiny and instructed them to ensure free and fair poll.
Sources said out of the 3,718 polling booths, 365 booths have been identified as highly sensitive, while 1,188 booths have been marked sensitive. Altogether, 18 platoons of police force will be deployed to man the three-tier polls and ensure that it passes off peacefully.