Security forces on high alert to ensure peaceful elections in northeast

As the country gears up to hold its 16th general elections from April 7, security forces in the north eastern region are on high alert to prevent any untoward incident.

In the Northeast, security forces are on high alert to prevent any attempt by insurgent outfits to disrupt the democratic process.

The region has a past experience of poll boycotts by underground outfits, and incidents of threats and extortions against candidates.

In Assam, security has been tightened in sensitive areas, as outfits like NDFB (S) are threatening candidates and demanding money.

"We will take full care. We will give full protection. We will see that election takes place in a peaceful manner. Electors will be given a free hand to cast their vote without fear or favor," said Assam Chief Minsiter Tarun Gogoi

In Tripura, around 20,000 security personnel, including 15,000 state police and Tripura State Rifles jawans, would be deployed to maintain law and order during the elections.

The international border with Bangladesh has also been sealed to avoid any cross-border infiltration.

"For the elections, we have alerted the BSF, TSR and Assam Rifles. And not only from extremists' point of view, but other miscreants from Bangladesh can also come. So, for that also BSF has been put on alert. Our mobile task force unit is also there so that infiltration will be kept at bay. That is the first arrangement made and it will continue till the election process is completed," C Balasubramanian, DG, Tripura police

In Manipur, security personnel have intensified search operations and are keeping a vigil in sensitive areas.

Paramilitary forces have also been deployed in the state.

"Now the security forces have started arriving from the central government, especially CRPF and BSF. So they will be deployed few days before the poll. Apart from that area domination will be taken care of by Assam rifles and army. Of course we will not use them for polling duty but they have been asked for area domination so that the security environment is maintained," said Nabakishore, Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur

For years now, militancy-led violence has severely affected life and hampered socio-economic growth in the region.

Normalcy and development are two central concerns of the people, and they will play a decisive role in the upcoming elections.