Security has been increased on the borders in view of the Lok Sabha elections. All the borders of the state have been sealed. Paramilitary forces have been deployed on every border, so that no smuggling takes place from the neighboring states. Checking is being done from both sides in coordination with the police of neighboring states. Considering Haridwar and Dehradun districts especially sensitive, one and a half section of paramilitary force has been deployed on the borders. The borders are also being monitored through drones. During elections, many incidents of liquor and cash smuggling come to light from neighboring states. Keeping this in mind, checking has been increased by sealing the borders. Along with paramilitary forces, police of the concerned police station has also been deployed here. Instructions have been issued for thorough checking of vehicles going out at night and keeping track of drivers from outside areas.
Additional Director General of Police AP Anshuman said that due to the elections, it has been directed that the in-charges of all the border districts will continuously coordinate among themselves. Stay connected through WhatsApp groups at district, police station and check post level. Install CCTV cameras at interstate barriers as well as exchange information including 24-hour joint checking, deployment of forces in mutual coordination.
Patrolling will be done in forest areas with forest workers
Some areas on the interstate barrier also belong to the Forest Department, due to which the Police Department has decided to coordinate with the Forest Department and conduct joint patrolling in the border forest areas also. There are some unpaved roads on the borders of the state, from where the police suspect smuggling. Such routes are also being continuously monitored. Because smugglers have knowledge about these routes. Since the main roads are sealed, they use these routes during elections.
Challenge of collecting weapons from revenue areas
In view of the Lok Sabha elections, the process of collecting weapons will start as soon as the code of conduct is imposed. In this regard, the police and revenue department have also collected the records of all the arms holders, but collecting arms from the revenue area will be a big challenge. This is because the number of revenue sub-inspectors in the state is very less. There are about 7500 revenue villages in the state and a revenue sub-inspector has the responsibility of 15 to 20 villages. In rural areas, transportation and communication systems are also not good. In such a situation, revenue sub-inspectors may have to face difficulties in getting the weapons deposited on time. As soon as the election bugle sounds, it is very challenging for the police and revenue department to collect weapons. A major reason for this is that many people do not provide complete information regarding the weapon. As soon as the code of conduct is imposed, people will start gathering. Additional Director General of Police AP Anshuman said that the Election Commission has clear instructions that as soon as the Election Code of Conduct is imposed, it is mandatory for everyone except a few license holders to surrender their weapons.
For this, a screening committee has been formed in every district under the supervision of the District Magistrate and SSP. The committee has collected information about weapon holders. As soon as the code of conduct is implemented, notices will be issued to these arms holders to deposit their arms. There is also a provision for action against the person who does not deposit the arms.
