GUWAHATI, April 29 - The number of poll-related violence and other such incidents came down drastically in the State during the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls as compared to the previous elections, while, the number of cases of violation of model code of conduct has also come down.
According to records available with the Assam Police, 173 incidents were reported during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, which included 24 cases of intimidation, 46 cases of assaults and attacks, 53 cases of mischief, and 31 cases of violation of model code of conduct.
The number of poll related incidents increased during the 2016 State Assembly elections as 239 such cases were reported, which included 49 cases of intimidation, 89 cases of attacks and assaults, 57 cases of violation of the model code of conduct and one incident of attack on security personnel.
Compared to the two previous elections, the Lok Sabha polls this year was by and large peaceful as only 43 such incidents were reported. The number of cases of intimidation came down to only eight while, cases of assaults and attacks also came down to only 23. Similarly, the cases of violation of the model code of conduct also came down to only five.
Meanwhile, when contacted by The Assam Tribune, Director General of Assam Police, Kula Saikia said that the credit for maintaining law and order during the polls should go to all the personnel of the security forces including Assam Police, who worked tirelessly and with dedication. He also thanked the people of Assam for coming out in large numbers to participate in the poll process. He said that the message given to all the police and security forces was very clear and all the personnel of the forces were asked to do their best to create an atmosphere where the people can come out to exercise their franchise without any apprehension.
The DGP said that a detailed security plan was chalked out well in advance in consultation with all the stakeholders, while the records of past incidents of violence were thoroughly analyzed by the district superintendents of police while preparing plans to deal with the situation. Intensive patrolling by the security forces were also carried out in the remote areas to ensure that no part of the State is left out of the security cover, he added.
