First phase of polls

Despite widespread apprehensions, the first phase of polling in Assam passed off peacefully in three constituencies- autonomous district, Silchar and Karimganj. The polling in the other north eastern State of Arunachal Pradesh was also by and large peaceful even as the opposition was accusing the ruling Congress of indulging in rigging, while, Naxal militant groups created terror with acts of violence in parts of Bihar during the elections. More than 60 per cent of the voters in the three constituencies of the State exercised their franchise and only in one polling station, the Chief Electoral officer (CEO) of Assam has to recommend re-polling because of acts of violence by a group of miscreants. There was widespread apprehension of violence in the districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills because of the activities of militant groups in the run up to the polls. In recent times, the militants belonging to the Black Widow group created terror in NC Hills and even train services in the hill section had to be suspended following a series of attacks on trains, while, the KLNLF militants also indulged in acts of violence in Karbi Anglong leading to apprehension among the people. The administration must have breathed a sigh of relief after the polls in the hill districts passed off peacefully and now the only concern of the poll officials is to ensure that the strong rooms are kept secured till the day of counting of votes. Normally the Barak valley districts also witness group clashes, but this time because of heavy deployment of security forces, the polling was by and large peaceful.

However, the administration should not be complacent after the peaceful completion of the first phase of the polls as the possibility of violence during the second phase cannot be ruled out in the wake of intelligence inputs about the possibility of militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Ranjan Daimary faction of the NDFB and jehadi groups indulging in acts of violence in the run up to the polls. Of course, the declaration of unilateral cease-fire by A and C companies of the 28 battalion of the ULFA weakened the outfit in upper Assam but the other battalions of the ULFA have the strength to create disturbance, while, no one really knows the strength of the jehadi groups. The police and security forces should not lower their guards and a strong vigil must be maintained all over the State to ensure violence free polls in the second phase also. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Repolling
SILCHAR, April 17 – There will be repolling in two centres of Lakhipur in Silchar LS seat. The two centres are 62 No. polling station which is under Borthal tea garden and Hathiloma 106 No. polling station which is under Borkhola constituency. – Correspondent ASSAM TRIBUNE