MUMBAI, Feb 10: The Union Home Secretary B P Singh said this morning that there was a large number of sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations in Maharashtra, which was a ``cause of concern.''Addressing a press conference in Mantralaya after reviewing the arrangements for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections with senior police officers and bureaucrats, Singh said elaborate security measures were being taken to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls. ``Maharashtra is known for tensions on caste and community lines. However, I would not disclose places identified in these two categories as it often leads to increase in tension in those areas. The number of these places also keep increasing as the day of voting comes closer. We are updating ourselves with the information,'' Singh said. However, Singh complimented the state saying it had a very good reputation for peaceful polls.He said preventive arrests were being made in Maharashtra and licenced arms were being checked and noted that some additionalsupport from the Centre in two areas, security forces and communication network, was necessary and would be provided.Singh did not rule out the possibility of disruptions by Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) during the elections and said steps were being taken to handle any critical situation.
He added that preventive arrests were being made in Maharashtra and licenced arms were being checked. He said some additional support from the Centre in two areas, security forces and communication network, was necessary and would be provided. Replying to queries, Singh said the Army assistance was not deployed in the election process anywhere in the country including Assam and Kashmir where it was assisting civil administration in fighting insurgency and militants.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
