The Election Commission (EC), gearing up for assembly elections in crucial states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Manipur, has requested 1000 companies of central paramilitary troops from the union home ministry for smoothly conduct of the electoral process.
The MHA will now have internal deliberations and is working on the availability of the central forces to get back to the EC.
EC sources say that there are three matters under consideration at this point in time. After decisions are made on these aspects, announcement of dates can be made.
Firstly, the discussions revolve around the availability of paramilitary forces and their requirement which has been shared with MHA. Secondly, the internal situation, the law and order in the state of Manipur. And thirdly, the board exams of students slated in March and dates surrounding the same.
The MHA has recently rushed 40 companies (4000 personnel) of central forces to Manipur to open the blockade enforced by Naga groups protesting against the Congress government in the state. With the fresh dispatch of central forces, a total of 175 companies (17500) central troopers are alone deployed in Manipur to restore law and order and peace in the state. Besides Manipur, central forces have been deployment in Jammu and Kashmir following border tensions and attacks by terrorist outfits.
The MHA will hold consultations in next few days to see the availability of the central paramilitary forces before it gets back to the EC to roll out the election process.
