ECI Guidelines For LS polls: ‘Focus On Tight Border Surveillance, Security In High-Risk States’

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday directed chief secretaries, police chiefs of all states, and central agencies to ensure peaceful and inducement-free Lok Sabha polls.

Chief Election Commission Rajiv Kumar, along with newly-appointed election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, held a meeting with top officers from all states and union territories to review and assess the law and order situation, prevention of illicit activities, seizures, and strict vigil across inter-state and international borders during the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls.

“The purpose of the combined review was to bring all concerned stakeholders together on the same platform for seamless coordination and cooperation amongst officials of the neighboring states along with central agencies guarding the borders. The Commission, in detail, reviewed critical issues pertaining to each state,” ECI said in a statement.

Kumar directed officers to ensure that every voter can exercise his/her right to vote without fear or intimidation and called on states as well as law enforcement agencies to convert their resolve into concrete actions for free, fair, peaceful, and intimidation-free elections.

Among crucial issues discussed during Wednesday’s meeting were the need for enhanced coordination among neighbouring states and diligent deployment of central armed police forces (CAPF) provided adequately in all states.

ECI also highlighted the importance of strict vigilance to curb movement of contraband items, including narcotics, liquor, rms, and explosives across international borders. The poll panel also directed that exit and entry points for movement of liquor and cash along the borders, curbing illegal Ganja cultivation in some states be identified.

States and UTs were directed to set up integrated checkposts at international and inter-state borders for strict surveillance, and sharing of intelligence on criminals and antisocial elements between bordering districts.