Security tightened at the borders of poll-bound Mizoram

Security has been tightened along the unfenced 64-km-long border near the tri-junction of Mizoram-Tripura-Bangladesh in the state's Mamit district ahead of the November 25 Assembly polls, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ashwani Kumar today said.

Kumar told PTI that patrolling by Central para-military force personnel has been intensified in the area as the Bangladesh and Tripura sides were frequently used by north east insurgents for crimes like abductions and extortion.

As many as 94 polling stations, specially those on the borders, have been identified as critical and special watch and measures have been ordered for them, he said.     

There are a total 1,126 polling stations in Mizoram.     Meanwhile, the state election machinery is gearing up to meet challenges being faced due to the terrain and badly damaged roads after the heavy monsoon that lashed the state.

Kumar said there are 118 polling stations without electricity where alternate arrangements like installation of batteries have to be done.     

Besides, there are 30 polling stations which are inaccessible by vehicles where the polling parties have to proceed on foot, he said, adding, that there are 187 others where there were no mobile or landline phone connectivity and police wireless service would have to be used as alternative communication system.