Police observer Sanjeev Kumar Kalra introduced for Barak Valley

Special Correspondent

Silchar: Sanjeev Kumar Kalra, IPS, police observer for Barak Valley for the parliamentary polls, was introduced to the media persons by Mugdha Jyoti Dev Mahanta, Superintendent of Police of Cachar, in his office chamber in Silchar on Wednesday. Sanjib Kalra, IPS batch of 1989 and presently holding the rank of Additional Director General of Police, will oversee the law and order of the valley run up to the polls on April 18. As briefed, he would visit all the police stations to monitor the security arrangements for conducting the polls in a free and fair manner. Everything will be done according to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India. Voters would exercise their franchise without fear and favour.

In fact, this is for the first time in the annals of poll history of this valley that a police observer has added teeth to the fleet of observers. All sensitive and hypersensitive polling stations as identified will be under close watch and surveillance to preempt any attempt at malpractice. Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Cachar have visited the international border with Bangladesh and talked with the BSF officials for allowing the voters living on the other side of the fencing to cast their votes. BSF officials have assured all possible help in this regard. Sanjeev Kumar Kalra has also been in touch with the officials.

BSF would at the same time beef up security to prevent the entry of mischievous and disruptive elements from Bangladesh. The SP denied any infiltration of jihadi activists of JMB (Jamait-ul-Mujahideen of Bangladesh) in the valley. Still, it will be under close watch, he assured. Sanjeev Kumar Kalra would hold meeting with the central and state intelligence agencies for better coordination in the matter of security arrangements. Journalists have been advised to contact him in the event of any untoward development.

Also read: Cachar news