ELECTION

Election : Section 144 promulgated in Cooch Behar

COOCH BEHAR, March 30: As electioneering in Cooch Behar district is going on in full swing, political feelings are running high and serious tension is built up, the district magistrate of Cooch Behar Mr RK Sinha promulgated Section 144 CrPC prohibiting all persons carrying arms and weapons in public processions and public meetings in entire Cooch Behar district.

In his order the DM mentioned that he promulgated the prohibitory order following reports from received the SP, OCs and other sources.

As processions are being taken out by various political parties and others in support of their candidates armed with firearms, lathis, dandas, stout bamboo-sticks, sharp cutting weapons, daos, tangis, etc with a view to show dominance in an area and to threaten the rival groups and people in general and major clashes have been reported from some parts of the district during these processions in the recent past resulting injury to several persons the DM had to impose the order.

The DM, Mr Sinha stated that he enforced the order to prevent disturbance of public peace and for preservation of public safety for the entire election period and even in the post-election period. The order will remain in force till 26 May, he added.

 

Election : Six EC observers

COOCH BEHAR, March 30: Six Election Commission observers will be there in Cooch Behar district to supervise the election process. They are Mr Samir Chitkara, Mr KP Mishra, Mr Raju Narayan Swami, Mr Banamali Sinha, Mr Akhilesh Kumar and Mr SE Hossain. Candidates and political parties can be able to submit complaints to the EC observers related to the election including violation of model code of conduct.

 

Election : Complaints on missing EPICs

COOCH BEHAR, March 30: Complaints on missing of Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) are on the rise in Cooch Behar district. Already, several complaints have been submitted at different police stations in the district. The Cooch Behar SP Mr DP Singh said he was aware of the matter. But, he failed to say the number of such EPIC missing complaints.

The police are yet to finalise the quantity of requirement of para-military forces in the district to maintain peace during the election. The number of critical and non-critical areas are being finalised after reviewing all aspects including the history of violence in areas concerned. But, may it be critical or not, there will be at least two armed guards in each polling booth.

Reviewing the situation adequate measures have been taken in vulnerable areas to maintain peace, the Cooch Behar SP, said. Talks have been held with officials of the Border Security Force over beefing up of vigilance along the Bangladesh border during the election process. Another meeting of top police officials of four districts of Assam and West Bengal will be held on 4 April over security measures that to be taken along the state border, Mr Singh said.