Gopalganj, October 29 . The district administration has tightened security arrangements to conduct the assembly elections in a free, fair and peaceful manner. 90 companies of paramilitary forces will take charge of election security in the district. Special monitoring arrangements have been made at every level of security under the joint direction of District Election Officer Pawan Kumar Sinha and Superintendent of Police Avadhesh Dixit. The District Transport Department has arranged for 490 buses, trucks and Scorpio vehicles to transport the 90 companies being deployed in the district to different areas. Paramilitary forces are being transported to their destination through these vehicles. Apart from this, 96 additional vehicles have been required for the movement of DAP and Home Guard personnel, arrangements for which are also being made.

District Transport Officer Shashi Shekharan said that there will be no shortage of vehicles used for election work. For this, arrangements have been made for buses and trucks along with small vehicles from Gorakhpur, Padrauna, Deoria, Punia and Madhubani of UP. Along with this, support has been received from local vehicle owners. He said that under the leadership of the District Officer, vehicle owners are being given fuel and rent of vehicles fixed by the Commission. Pure drinking water and lights have been provided to the vehicle drivers. The administration has selected 135 buildings for the stay of the forces, where arrangements for accommodation and food have been made for the paramilitary personnel.

The district administration says that there will be no lack of security at any polling station. Presence of central paramilitary forces will be ensured at every booth so that voters can exercise their franchise without fear. The DM said that in order to maintain the electoral process smoothly and impartially, clear instructions have been given to all the sub-divisional officers and block development officers to conduct regular flag marches in their respective areas. This will maintain fear among anti-social elements and confidence in voters about security. Till now 10 companies have reached the district and taken charge. The administration has instructed each sector officer to continuously visit his area with the police officer and ensure identification of sensitive groups and persons. All sector officials have prepared route charts of their respective polling stations and are regularly reviewing the preparations.

The SP said that no anti-social element will be allowed to spoil the election atmosphere. Police and paramilitary forces are ready to deal with every situation. Surveillance has been increased in sensitive areas through flag march and night patrolling.

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/ Akhilanand Mishra