In Bihar elaborate security arrangements have been made in naxal infested areas of the state to ensure trouble free fifth phase of polls on Tuesday in 35 constituencies spread over eight districts.AIR Patna correspondent reports the 17 constituencies are naxal affected. The polling will start at 7 am and will continue till 5 pm except naxal affected constituencies where it will end at 3 pm. In Hilsa, Belaganj and Wazirganj constituencies polling will be concluded one hour before the scheduled time.The Director General of Police Neelmani said jawans of central para military forces have already been deployed at all polling booths. Satellite phones are being used to monitor the movements of naxal activities. BSF helicopters will be pressed into service for air surveillance during polling.The Election Commission has strictly instructed the polling parties to go to their polling stations only with security personnel. They have also been told to reach to their polling stations before evening. Chief Electoral officer Sudhir Kumar Rakesh has appealed electorates of the state not to be scared and come in large numbers to excercise their right of franchise.Mr Rakesh said that Observers and Micro Observers have been appointed to ensure free and fair polls. Over 81 lakh electorates will decide the political fortune of 490 candidates including 44 women.AIR correspondent Sunil Shukla reports from Gaya that in three districts of Magadh region of the state including Gaya, Jehenabad, and Nawada Ariel surveillance have been intensified in view of the bomb blast by Maoists killing two policemen in Gaya district. Security forces are also deployed at the rivers including Punpun, Falgu, Morhar and Daradha in this area to check the movements of miscreants and Maoists. Security forces have conducted flag march in different areas to instil sense of security among voters. Inter district borders have been sealed and barriers are set up at several places and police men are deployed to keep eyes on movements of vehicles. Checking and frisking at hotels and places for community residing is going on in all three districts. Web cameras are being stalled at 166 polling booths for live web streaming in all three districts of Magadh region. Meanwhile major political parties have intensified campaigning in the constituencies going for poll in 6th and last phase of elections. Senior BJP leader Venkaiahya Naidu addressed an election at Naxal hit Gurua constituency in Gaya district.
News On AIR | November 8, 2010 8:25 PM
Fifth phase Bihar Assembly polls in 35 constituencies Tuesday; 17 naxal affected