M F AHMAD
Daltonganj, May 12: Polling parties in Palamu have been advised to travel ‘cross country’ rather than use the metallic road or the most travelled way to their booths.
This extraordinary effort was adopted to avoid falling victim to the CPI Maoists’ improvised explosive devices, which have a track record of constructing explosive traps during elections in Palamu.
SP Palamu Chandan Kumar Sinha said, “We have strictly advised the security forces accompanying the polling parties not to flout or overlook or ignore the SoP (standard operational procedure) but rather to be a stickler for it.”
Sources said the recent instances of villagers blowing up in the air in the Bulbul jungle under the Lohardaga and Latehar districts, all due to the pressure landmines laid there by the Maoists have alarmed and cautioned the police across the state.
Notably, 52 percent of booths out of a total of 3,305 in Palamu have been declared booths in the Naxal belt.
SP Chandan said out of these 52 percent booths, 40-42 percent of booths are to be reached through cross country movement and not by any vehicular movement. “Trust your legs more to reach the booth,” he said, adding that all safety and security measures will be provided for a peaceful poll.
Palamu will be having a poll at its 750 booths on May 14, the first polling of the four phase polling of the panchayat elections. Panchayats falling under blocks namely Hussainabad, Mohammadganj, Haidernagar, Harihurganj, Pipra, Untari Road and others are to vote on this day.
All eyes are on the turnout of the voters as it will help the district administration to look forward to the remaining three phases of the panchayat elections.
Meanwhile, Palamu civil surgeon Dr Anil Kumar has advised poll officials and security personnel to take health precautions to prevent dehydration. They have also been advised not to miss BP or blood sugar medication, avoiding unnecessary exposure to the Sun.
Dr Anil Kumar said, “We have given medical kits for the polling parties with advice on taking medicines in the event of any health problem. Oral rehydration is our major concern and we continue to ask our civilians and security forces to keep drinking water sufficiently.”
