Shillong, March 19: In an effort to maintain the integrity of the electoral process in Meghalaya, the state police have requested eleven companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and an additional seven companies of the State Armed Police Force (SAPF).
Addressing reporters on Thursday, Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Khasi Hills, Rituraj Ravi has stated that a total of eighteen additional armed forces have been requested.
SP Ravi further informed that out of the eighteen, three companies were already deployed in the state. Two CRPF companies – initially deployed for maintaining law and order, have now been reassigned to election duties, with one additional company has also been deployed in the city.
Additionally, the SP mentioned that the Police Department has constituted Flying Squad Teams (FST) and Static Surveillance Teams (SST) as per instructions from the Election Commission of India (ECI), which are currently active.
He also informed that the State Police are conducting checkpoints and vice raids, maintaining a high level of vigilance across the city and various districts.
As Meghalaya falls under Phase – I with two parliamentary constituency seats, the election is scheduled to be held on April 19.
The Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills stressed on the importance of ensuring a peaceful and orderly election has urged citizens to come out and cast their votes without fear or intimidation.