GUWAHATI: Assam lacks security personnel to counter any possible attempt from Ulfa hardliners led by commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah to punish Congressmen with armed attacks for splitting their organisation.
At present, the strength of paramilitary forces deployed in Assam to aid the state force is just 62 companies and police claim the figure is the lowest ever. Sources in the government said the police administration has informed the Election Commission that holding of the coming assembly elections without additional manpower was impossible.
"The police department wants at least 300 companies of additional forces if the polls are to be held in a free and fair way," a source said.
The demand for more additional forces received a shot in the arm when militants allegedly belonging to Ulfa's hardline group shot at a Congress panchayat leader at Makum in Tinsukia district on Monday night. There is a sizeable deployment of army personnel in the state engaged in counter-insurgency operations but they are not used for election duty.
Sources said the total strength of Assam Police is close to 70,000. But less than half this number was actually available for maintaining law and order. There are 14 Assam Police battalions, four from the task force and six from Indian Reserve Battalions. They together account for about 24,000 police personnel, who serve as reserve force.
Again, an astonishing 5,000 personnel are engaged in providing security to ministers, VIPs and high-ranking police officials in addition to about 500 personnel security officers attached to other important people. There will be some on training and deputation outside the state, in CID, BIEO, anti-corruption, fire service and house guards, leaving just about 30,000 for deployment in Ground Zero.
"There will be attempts by Ulfa, NDFB (anti-talks), Karbi and Dimasa factions to create trouble during elections and we need to contain them. This is an added responsibility apart from election duty," said a senior police officer
.
At present, the strength of paramilitary forces deployed in Assam to aid the state force is just 62 companies and police claim the figure is the lowest ever. Sources in the government said the police administration has informed the Election Commission that holding of the coming assembly elections without additional manpower was impossible.
"The police department wants at least 300 companies of additional forces if the polls are to be held in a free and fair way," a source said.
The demand for more additional forces received a shot in the arm when militants allegedly belonging to Ulfa's hardline group shot at a Congress panchayat leader at Makum in Tinsukia district on Monday night. There is a sizeable deployment of army personnel in the state engaged in counter-insurgency operations but they are not used for election duty.
Sources said the total strength of Assam Police is close to 70,000. But less than half this number was actually available for maintaining law and order. There are 14 Assam Police battalions, four from the task force and six from Indian Reserve Battalions. They together account for about 24,000 police personnel, who serve as reserve force.
Again, an astonishing 5,000 personnel are engaged in providing security to ministers, VIPs and high-ranking police officials in addition to about 500 personnel security officers attached to other important people. There will be some on training and deputation outside the state, in CID, BIEO, anti-corruption, fire service and house guards, leaving just about 30,000 for deployment in Ground Zero.
"There will be attempts by Ulfa, NDFB (anti-talks), Karbi and Dimasa factions to create trouble during elections and we need to contain them. This is an added responsibility apart from election duty," said a senior police officer
.
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