Bihar polling booths to have armed security forces

Maoists in the state have threatened to disrupt the Lok Sabha elections

In view of the Maoist threat to disrupt Lok Sabha polls in Bihar, armed security forces will be deployed for the first time at all polling stations, an official said Wednesday.

Additional Chief Electoral Officer R. Lakshmanan said all 59,807 polling stations for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state will have armed security forces during the six-phase polls.

"One thing is clear, all polling stations will have armed security guards," the election officer said.

Lakshmanan said there would be adequate number of central para-military force (CPMF) personnel in Bihar for the polls.

According to officials, more than 60 companies of CPMFs and the entire police force will be at the disposal of the state for deployment at the six Maoist-affected seats that will go to polls April 10.

The BSNL has vowed to increase coverage of existing mobile phone towers in the region.

Besides, the department of telecom will also provide closed user group SIM cards to supervisory officers of security forces.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has also requested the Maoist affected districts to provide survey maps for officers of the paramilitary force.

Inspector General (Operations) Amit Kumar said police will use helicopters to keep a close watch on Maoist activities.

The six Maoist-affected constituencies are Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Karakat, Jamui, Gaya and Sasaram.

Maoists have already put up banners and posters appealing to people to boycott polls or be ready to face dire consequences.

Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath will visit Bihar April 5.