Over 3,100 cops deployed to ensure peaceful polling

Polling for the panchayat samiti polls shall be a litmus test for the Patiala police as it gears up for providing security. In the backdrop of the recent political backlash, Patiala police is on its toes to ensure law and order at all polling stations, as over 3,100 officials have been deputed. Patiala DIG Kuldeep Chahal on Saturday led from the front to issue necessary directions to officials.

Sangrur SSP Sartaj Chahal, who also holds the additional charge for Patiala, today held a meeting with police officials from the district and issued clear directions to not to allow any unidentified person within 100 meters of the polling station.

To ensure free and fair polls, fearing violence, policemen have been deployed with anti-riot gear to tackle any emergent situation.

“The directions are clear. No one will be allowed to create any trouble and we have asked all DSPs and SHOs to ensure that no one is allowed to disturb the law and order situation on the day of voting. Anyone found indulging in violence will be dealt with strictly, as per law,” said the DIG.

Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal have already raised doubts over the police functioning, urging the State Election Commission (SEC) to issue requisite directions for free and fair conduct of the zila parishad and block samiti elections.

Following the recent intervention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court that strictly told the SEC to issue requisite orders for ensuring free and fair elections and also telling SHOs and other officials to not to work for a single political party; the SEC issued detailed instructions to Punjab’s DGP to ensure a smooth election process on Sunday.

Over 3,100 police personnel will man 30 hypersensitive polling stations and 164 sensitive polling stations in the district. A total of 1,341 booths have been set up at 946 polling stations.

Sartaj Chahal, who visited polling stations and strongrooms, reiterated that the police would ensure that elections were held in a fair, transparent and peaceful manner. “As per the instructions of the Punjab State Election Commission, additional security forces would be deployed at hypersensitive polling stations and sensitive polling stations identified by the civil administration and the police in the district,” he stated.