Voting over, but forces still on alert

Although the last phase of the assembly polls passed off peacefully in the violence-hit Maoist districts in Jangalmahal area, security forces are still on high alert to thwart any attempt by Maoists to unleash violence.

Official sources said 4,100 CRPF personnel, state forces as well as a few companies of specialised Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) will remain in the three districts.

In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, three polling personnel were killed when Maoists exploded a landmine in Khushbani forest near Jhargram.

Chief electoral officer Sunil Gupta said, “We are very tensed. It will not be over till the last polling personnel returns safely. Alternative arrangements such as night shelters with adequate security have been arranged for polling personnel who would not be able to return home in one day.”

“This is the most crucial time. There is every chance that the Maoists may launch an attack. Our forces are on high alert. We want the polling personal and security forces to return from the polling stations safely,” said Zulfikar Hassan, I-G Western Range.