Good voter turnout secured Maoist-hit areas

Defying Maoist threats, people came out in large numbers to vote during the third phase of elections on Thursday in Odisha's Kandhamal District.

Security was tight to protect voters from possible Maoist attacks during the polls.

Security personnel and police officials also manned polling booths in Jharkhand, Bihar and Maharashtra. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel ensured that the voting process proceeded smoothly, and also encouraged voters to participate in the elections.

"Regarding security arrangements, we have already deployed all police personnel in and around all polling stations, specially the critical stations. We have received central paramilitary forces from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the Central Reserve Police Force and the state police forces," said the Superintendent of Police of Kandhamal District, Kanwar Vishal Singh.

Voters said that they wanted an eligible leader to be elected.

"Leaders who work for our welfare and progress should only be elected. Our main priority is to vote, and then do anything else," said Geetanjali, a resident of Jharkhand's Gumla District.