Assam polls: 535 companies of security forces deployed in 1st phase

Guwahati: Over 53000 security force personnel have been deployed in the 65 of the 126 Assam Assembly constituencies going to polls tomorrow in the first phase.

Out of 535 companies, 433 are central forces while 102 companies are from state police, Assam Chief Electoral Officer Vijayendra told reporters here today.

A company comprises around 100 personnel.

All polling stations in the rural areas and 82 per cent in the urban areas will be covered by the "half section of a central company", Vijayendra said.

A platoon each shall be deployed in district and sub-divisional headquarters along with one in the strong rooms.

Out of the total 12,190 polling stations, 1,241 have been identified as 'critical' polling stations, 1,992 as 'hypersensitive' and 3,739 as 'sensitive' while 999 polling stations are in the shadow area i.E areas without telephone connectivity which shall be covered by the Assam Police Radio Organisation.

More than 56,000 polling personnel have been deployed for polling duties in the first phase.

Webcasting shall be held in 539 booths and static video cameras have been set up in 454 polling stations while micro observers have been posted for 736 polling booths, he said.

Altogether 78 polling stations will be managed entirely by all-women polling officials while 134 polling stations have been declared as model polling stations where some additional facilities would be made available like a medical team and an eatery, the CEO added.

A total of 95,11,732 electorate comprising 49,16,015 male and 45,95,712 will exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 539 candidates including 43 female.