NEW DELHI, April 3 : The Indian Lok Sabha elections this time are facing the biggest challenge of security as the Home Minister P Chidambaram has written letters to all states to make fool- proof security arrangements during the elections and safety of 35 VVIPs.
Besides other areas, the polls are a daunting task in troubled states including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and north east as insurgents and Maoists are active to strike during the elections.
Occupied Kashmir is another region where the people are struggling for the right of self-determination.
Meanwhile, Home Minister P Chidambaram met with BJP’s prime ministerial candidate L K Advani on Thursday to discuss issues relating security arrangements and threats to VVIPs during electioneering.
It was reported that during the meeting, Chidambaram asked Advani to avoid surprise visits and inform the authorities well before the arrival at any place so that adequate security measures are made.
“Times of India” reported the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh is a veritable danger zone where insurgents have warned the villagers that their fingers will be chopped off if polling ink is found on them. "The terrain is such that it helps the Maoists," a senior police officer said.
“We cannot predict from where our force will come under attack in the dense forests and hillocks. But we have to ensure safety and security of polling parties,” the officer said.
In Jharkhand state, residents of at least 50 villages in Chatra, Palamu, Gumla, Lohardaga, Khunti, East and West Singhbhum districts do not vote unless they are given security, a senior officer said.
Similarly, intelligence agencies in Andhra Pradesh have warned that Maoists can launch violent attacks during elections.
The daily said North-East states, the threat had already forced Election Commission to hold elections in phases so that adequate security forces are available for the election duties.
In Manipur state, the violence has already begun as three local Congress leaders have been injured in attacks during the past few weeks. Nagaland is also facing the same situation.
In occupied Kashmir, the authorities are so much threatened that for six parliamentary seats, polling has been spread over five phases.
In Indian Capital, the security personnel have been put on high alert for the polls.
