Chiefs of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) met on Sunday to discuss security arrangements ahead of the second and final phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal on Wednesday.
More than 250,000 personnel or 2,550 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Sashastra Seema Bal were deployed at the polls.
The CRPF, the nodal agency for central forces in the state, said in a statement that the meeting was aimed at ensuring a peaceful and fair democratic process. The Director Generals of the CAPFs joined a video conference with officials and individuals spread across West Bengal, she added.
The CRPF called for a strategy for voter security and maximum participation as an area of focus. Noting that electoral guidelines have been strengthened in letter and spirit, ensuring a safe environment for every voter, he said adherence to duty remains paramount.
The DGs visited the state and monitored arrangements to prevent election violence. CAPF teams conducted flag marches, booth reconnaissance and patrolling across constituencies.
The West Bengal Sector of the CRPF said in a statement that “Operation Night Domination” is being conducted in view of the second phase of elections in West Bengal. “Accordingly, night patrols, area control and continuous surveillance in sensitive areas have been increased.”
The statement added that the aim of the initiative is to maintain control over anti-social elements, enhance security and build confidence among voters, ensuring a fearless, free and safe environment. “The CAPFs are fully committed to holding free, fair and peaceful elections.”
In the first phase of voting, 152 out of 294 constituencies went to the polls in West Bengal on Thursday, recording a record vote largely free of violence.
