Intelligence dept asked to report candidates' risk status in Manipur

Imphal, February 05: Following Sunday evening's attack on the residence of former MoS, home, M Oken, which took two lives, the state administration has decided to make special security arrangements for candidates for the forthcoming elections who are under serious threat from underground elements. The state election security coordination committee, in its fourth meeting today, reassessed its security policy in view on the attacks on Oken and on several other candidates. In this regard, the concerned intelligence agencies have been asked to submit the candidates' risk status at the earliest, according to reliable sources. Instructions have also been issued for taking up intensified security measures, including increased patrolling, frisking and checking. The police headquarters is also to look after strategic security deployment. The meeting, chaired by state chief secretary Rakesh, also reviewed security arrangements for VIPs who are visiting the state to join in campaigning, the candidates, observers, returning officers and election officials. Reliable sources said the recent spate of attacks on some candidates by underground outfits are believed to be on account of nonpayment of financial demands made by the UG outfits, and that there are no reports of political influence. The meeting also discussed reports that Naga candidates contesting in the Senapati area have been summoned by a particular underground outfit, and agreed that the candidates should be asked to give prior information to the police before moving out of the district. It is also disclosed during the meeting that following the pressure exerted by the state administration upon the Centre for provision of additional security forces. Army units will be deployed in the role of area domination. With the 30 BSF and CRPF companies provided by the Centre for the elections due to arrive within the next two or three days, the meeting also agreed that the process of requisition of vehicles for their use should be expedited. The meeting was attended by additional DGP, C Peter, principal secretary (home) PBO Warjari, CEO, DS Poonia, commissioner, transport, S Buddhachandra, election nodal officer, H Sandhu, and top officials of the CRPF, the BSF and the Assam Rifles.