Security assessment in GH after assembly session: P Naik

Shillong, Nov 26: On the backdrop of the attack on former deputy chief minister and Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) working president Deborah Marak by the ANVC (B) Saturday, the Election Department will asses the security scenario in Garo Hills in mid December and accordingly request for the deployment of security forces to ensure that the election process is not disturbed by the militant groups.

Speaking to www.ohmeghalaya.com website Monday morning, Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer P Naik said, “We will access the security situation in Garo Hills only in December after the assembly session.”  According to him the security scenario does not remain constant every time.

Naik informed that only after the assessment is made , the state election department will make a request to the Election Commission as to how many companies will be required in the state to ensure that a free and fair election. He, however, said that the demand for the deployment of number of security forces will have to be made keeping in mind that the state government will have to pay for it.

Naik said, “The demand for security forces have to be made in a way that the state government do not waste money. We will have to access the security scenario and accordingly request based on the need.” Recently when the deputy election commissioner visited Shillong, the home department had asked for 100 companies of paramilitary forces for the election purpose. – By Our Reporter