GUWAHATI, March 20 - Special focus has been given on increasing security along the inter-state and international borders to prevent militants and antisocial elements from sneaking into Assam to create disturbance during the run-up to the Assembly elections. Highly placed police sources told The Assam Tribune that the possibility of militants and other antisocial elements trying to sneak into Assam during the election process cannot be ruled out and security forces are gearing up to thwart any such challenge.
Sources revealed that apart from increasing vigil along the vulnerable portions of the inter-state border areas, the Assam Police is in constant touch with their counterparts in neighbouring states. The Assam Police is also in constant touch with the BSF and SSB, which are entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the international borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan respectively.
It may be mentioned here that the militant groups of Assam have strong bases in Myanmar and to enter Assam, they would have to come through Arunachal Pradesh or Nagaland. On the other hand, the ultras may also try to sneak in through Meghalaya. On the other hand, the possibility of antisocial elements from sneaking into Assam from Bangladesh cannot also be ruled out.
Sources revealed that so far, police has not received any specific input about any threat from the militants during the election process. But not willing to take any chances, the entire security machinery has been geared up and additional forces have started arriving in the State.
The candidates have also been asked to report to the police if they receive any call from the militants demanding money, as in the past, such incidents took place in the State. On March 16, a group of ultras belonging to the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) sneaked into Assam but their attempts to create trouble was foiled because of alertness of the forces and two of the ultras were forced to surrender.
The Election Commission is directly monitoring the security scenario and force deployment in the State, sources said, adding, the election booths were categorized after examining the threat perception.
