Adequate central forces, more flying squads in TN: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said here today that adequate Central para military forces will be on duty in Tamil Nadu for the May 16 Assembly polls and number of flying squads to check distribution of cash and other violations would be increased.
Stating that a review of the preparedness has been done with all district authorities, he said, "This time adequate number of Central forces will arrive for area domination, route marches, and surveillance of vulnerable locations."
Referring to the assessment of vulnerable localities and polling stations, he said authorities have been told to review identification of such locations and bring it to the notice so that it could be covered by Central forces.

"We are thinking of increasing flying squads. At present, there are over 700 of them and their number would be increased so that the coverage could be more effective," he said.
Also, there are over 700 static surveillance teams and over 350 check posts to detect violations, and irregularities.
He said the state will have coverage of more than 30,000 polling stations by web casting. Over 2000 election related violation cases have been registered so far, he said.
"The state has done good work and huge number of arms - over 19,000 out of 22,000 - have been deposited with the authorities," he said.

Even at the micro level, he said, good work has been done, and referred to the execution of around 8000 NBWs (Non-Bailable Warrants) and said direction has been given to ensure pending NBWs are carried out.