GUWAHATI: The Election Commission has directed the authorities to ensure strict vigil on the international boundary that Manipur shares with Myanmar to ensure no unlawful cross-border transit and infiltration into the state which remains plagued by insurgency.
The Commission stated that the instructions were issued when it reviewed the poll preparedness in Manipur on Wednesday, which was marked by a common concern raised by all political parties about use of money power, illicit liquor, narcotics drugs and intimidation to influence voters.
Except for few patches of fencing, a large tract of the 398-km-long border between Manipur and Myanmar lies porous and offers a free passage to militants, gunrunners and gold and drug smugglers. Besides, all the insurgent outfits of Manipur, about seven, are based in Myanmar, close to the international border.
On November 13 last year, insurgents based in Myanmar carried out the deadliest attack in Manipur in six years in which the commanding officer of 46 Assam Rifles, Col Viplav Tripathi, his wife, six-year-old son and four personnel of the accompanying quick reaction team (QRT) were killed in an ambush in Churachandpur district near the India-Myanmar border.
While reviewing the law-and-order issues, the Commission directed that deposition of licensed arms in the state should be expedited. It was directed to ensure that distribution of liquor, drugs, freebies and cash is effectively checked and the electoral process is not vitiated with unlawful activities.
The Commission stated that political parties requested for strict vigil on election expenses by candidates to ensure free and fair polls.
“While expressing concern about pre-poll violence, the political parties demanded deployment of adequate security forces during the poll process and other relevant measures. The political parties also raised concerns about implementation of strict COVID protocols for safety of everybody,” the Commission stated.
In response, the Commission “assured the representatives that it has taken cognizance of suggestions, issues and concerns of the political parties and ECI is committed to conduct free, fair, participative, inclusive, inducement free and COVID safe elections in the state.”
Chief election commissioner Sushil Chandra has underscored that strict action would be taken against such erring officials.
