Poll observer Vikash Joshi visits and reviews Lakhipur poll scenario

Special Correspondent

Silchar: Poll observer Vikash Joshi for Cachar visited Lakhipur sub division of Cachar, one of the seven assembly constituencies of Silchar Lok Sabha seat on Monday and reviewed the overall scenario in the context of the ensuing parliamentary election. He was closeted with Pradip Kumar Gupta, circle officer, Anwar Hussain Laskar, officer-in-charge, Lakhipur police station and other staff. 1,55,335 voters will exercise their franchise on April 18 at 192 polling stations spread across the sub division. Of these polling stations, 157 are under Lakhipur and Banskandi development blocks while 35 under Joypur and Jirighat. The increase in number of voters has led to the setting up of 16 more polling booths.

The Observer was also briefed about 15 polling stations being hypersensitive on the basis of the records of last polls. As the National Highway 37 linking Silchar with Imphal passes through the sub division, plan for elaborate security cover and deployment has been drawn up.

Presently, patrolling by Assam police assisted by village defence party in both urban and rural areas is going on. Surveillance and vigilance have been mounted and all outgoing and incoming vehicles are being thoroughly checked at different check points. At the entry point to Manipur, Jirighat police station, strict watch is kept on vehicles for screening to prevent smuggling in arms and ammunitions.

Central para military forces would subsequently add teeth to the existing strength of Assam police. In fact, NH 37 has been known as an infamous corridor for pushing in contraband goods to Barak Valley, brought all the way from Myanmar, besides transportation of arms and explosives. Moreover, the 37 corridor has also provided leeway to insurgent groups based in Manipur in the past. The apprehension still exists as the splinter groups are still active. This calls for round the clock vigilance.

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