Days ahead of the first phase of Manipur Assembly elections, the armed forces on Wednesday foiled an alleged terrorist attempt, and seized improvised explosive devices being brought into India from Myanmar.
According to a press statement issued on Wednesday, Assam Rifles Moreh Battalion seized IEDs and explosive materials at Moreh on the Indo-Myanmar border, suspected to be meant to disrupt the election process in Manipur. At least six IEDs with cortex and electric wires have been recovered.
The devices were being transported on a bike from Myanmar and was intercepted on Wednesday by Assam Rifles near Betuk village along the border.
the 2022 Assembly elections witnessed a record number of raids and seizure of illegal items worth over Rs 160 crore.
Chief Election officer Rajesh Agrawal, who spoke exclusively to India Today, said that more than 180 flying squads have been deployed across the state, and seizures worth more than 160 crore had been conducted as of February 22.
“This is a record amount of seizure — more than four times of what was seized during the 2017 Assembly elections,” he said.
The CEO said, “Every possible effort to ensure free and fair elections is being undertaken by the election commission.”
Manipur has seen a number of problems arising due to underground insurgent groups, the cross-border drug and alcohol trade, arms and ammunition, and inter-party violence.
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As many as 653 complaints have been received through CVigil app as on February 23. Complaints of defacement of property by putting up posters – 456, campaigning during banned hours – 16, complaints of money distribution – 16, gift or coupon distribution – 8, complaints of intimidation/ display of firearms – 3, religious or communal speech – 5, taking out a convoy without permission – 7.
“More than 45 FIRs have been registered and more than 60 people have been arrested so far by various agencies regarding these election violations,” said Agrawal.
Three special observers also landed in Imphal on Wednesday- Retired IAS officer Pravir Krishna as special general observer, IPS (retd) Arun Kumar, and Rajesh tuteja, (retd IRS) as special police observer.
“We have also taken steps to ensure that the SOO cadres- the surrendered insurgents- are kept confined to their camps and are not used by political parties to influence votes,” said the CEO.
The cadres will be kept confined to their camps and daily attendance is being taken by the Assam Rifles personnel to ensure security.
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CAPF personnel will be deployed in all polling booths, and sector inspection teams for each constituency have been created.
“This is the maximum amount of CAPF deployment that the state has ever seen,” said Agrawal.
Of the 2968 polling stations, 2400 will have direct webcasting and live capture of the poll process to ensure that no untoward incident or booth capturing can take place. The remaining polling stations will be videographed, as they are in remote areas without proper Wi-Fi Internet connectivity.
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