New Delhi: To ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process, the Election Commission of India (CEC) has decided to take strict measures to prevent the inflow of illicit liquor, cash, drugs, arms, and freebies across the country’s borders, a PIB press release stated.
This decision was taken by the CEC during its meeting with all the states and union territories of India. The meeting, which was chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, and the other high-ranking officials of the state and central government, discussed the necessary steps to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a level playing field for all the candidates.
One of the key issues discussed during the meeting was the need for better coordination among neighboring states and union territories in terms of deployment of CAPF personnel, logistical support for their movement, and identification and monitoring of flashpoints in border areas.
The CEC also called on all the states and union territories to take concrete actions to address the communal tensions based on past experiences and secure porous borders against illegal activities. In view of the recent violence and turmoil in Manipur, the CEC has urged the swift action of the concerned authorities to assist the Internally Displaced Persons and ensure their participation in the electoral process.The Commission has also decided to set up additional nakas at strategic locations in coordination with the neighboring states for the smooth conduct of the elections. Other decisions taken by the CEC include the setting up of joint checking and operations by police, excise, transport, GST, and forest department with the installation of CCTV cameras at check- posts, the strengthening of monitoring at the checkposts, and the strict vigil against liquor and drug kingpins.
The CEC also called on the states and union territories to strengthen their monitoring of the international borders with Nepal and Bangladesh, especially in the areas having porous border with Nepal.