Security agencies gear up for peaceful polling in last phase

Security agencies have geared up for smooth conduct of the final phase Lok Sabha elections tomorrow in over 6,000 villages and hamlets identified as vulnerable to threats and intimidation.      

Home Ministry sources said strict orders have been issued to paramilitary forces deployed for poll duties to have a close vigil in proper coordination with state police forces, on 19,000 people who have been identified as "trouble-makers".      

"All necessary actions have been taken to ensure free and fair polls," a Home Ministry official said.      

Senior officials of the Home Ministry today reviewed the security arrangement in the fifth and final phase of polls in which 10.78 crore voters would exercise their franchise in over 1.21 lakh polling stations spread over seven states and two Union Territories to elect 86 MPs.      

Altogether 86,782 villages and hamlets in various parts of the country have been identified as vulnerable to threats and intimidation in the ongoing election process and specific action taken against over 3.73 lakh people.      

While the first round of polling on April 16 saw some incidents of Maoists violence, the second, third and fourth phases on April 23, 30 and May 7 were by and large peaceful.      

West Bengal, which has another round of polling tomorrow, saw sporadic violence on May 7 polling which claimed the lives of five persons, including a child.