Assam BTC polls: Police chief pledges "zero-tolerance" against violence

GUWAHATI:

Assam Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has pledged to adopt a “zero-tolerance” policy against any kind of violence, warning elements and outfits against disrupting peace in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) ahead of and during the elections.

The DGP’s warning came on Tuesday after the Assam Police chief held discussions with top officials in Kokrajhar while reviewing security preparations ahead of the two-phase polls to the 40-member council from December 7.

“A zero-tolerance policy will be adopted to tackle any subversive activity or misadventure on the part of anyone, be it miscreants, outfits or people linked to them. Peace has returned to BTR and anyone planning to disrupt the peaceful environment would be severely dealt with,” Mahanta said.

He further appealed to people of BTR to inform Assam Police if they receive any information about elements/outfits planning to disrupt the peaceful environment in the region ahead of the polls.

Elections will be held in Udalguri and Baksa districts in the first phase on December 7, while voting will take place in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts on December 10.

Counting of votes for both the phases will be held on December 12. Majority of the polling stations in BTC are sensitive or very sensitive.

“About 30 additional companies of forces will be deployed now, and, if needed, we will deploy more. We want a free and fair election this time,” Mahanta said.

The BTR Accord was signed in January this year, paving the way for all Bodo militant organisations to disband their outfits and come forward for talks.

(Edited by Laxmi Chyrmang)

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