455 Kannur booths marked as ‘sensitive’ ahead of Kerala LSG polls
As the Kerala local body elections approach, the state is gearing up to ensure a smooth and peaceful voting process. However, in the Kannur district, the Intelligence Wing of the Kerala Police has identified 455 polling booths as ‘sensitive’, indicating potential law-and-order problems. This move is aimed at preventing any disruptions or violence during the two-phased elections, and to ensure that the democratic process is carried out without any hindrances.
The designation of these booths as ‘sensitive’ is based on various factors, including the history of violence and clashes in the area, the presence of rival political factions, and the potential for bogus voting. The police have warned that these booths will require additional security measures to prevent any untoward incidents, and to ensure that the voters can cast their ballots without any fear or intimidation.
According to the report, the ‘highly sensitive’ booths will be barricaded and secured with paramilitary forces, while additional police personnel will be deployed to prevent clashes and bogus voting. This will not only help to maintain law and order but also ensure that the voting process is fair and transparent. The police will also be keeping a close eye on the activities of political parties and their supporters, to prevent any attempts to intimidate or influence voters.
The local body elections in Kerala are scheduled to take place in two phases, with the first phase covering the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Idukki. The second phase will cover the remaining districts, including Kannur. The elections will be held to elect representatives to the local self-government bodies, including the district panchayats, block panchayats, and gram panchayats.
The Kerala Police has been working closely with the Election Commission to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. The police have been conducting regular reviews and assessments to identify potential trouble spots and to take proactive measures to prevent any disruptions. The deployment of paramilitary forces and additional police personnel to the ‘sensitive’ booths is a part of this effort.
The marking of 455 booths as ‘sensitive’ in the Kannur district is a significant development, and it highlights the challenges that the state faces in conducting peaceful and fair elections. Kannur has a history of political violence, and the district has witnessed numerous clashes and incidents of violence in the past. The police and the Election Commission are taking no chances, and are working together to ensure that the elections are conducted without any major incidents.
The use of technology will also play a key role in the elections, with the Election Commission planning to use webcasting and other digital tools to monitor the voting process and to prevent any irregularities. The commission will also be using voter-verified paper audit trails (VVPATs) to ensure that the voting process is transparent and accountable.
In addition to the security measures, the Election Commission has also been working to raise awareness among voters about the importance of participating in the democratic process. The commission has been conducting voter education programs and campaigns to encourage people to come out and vote, and to exercise their right to shape the future of their local communities.
The local body elections in Kerala are an important milestone in the state’s democratic process, and they provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in the decision-making process and to hold their elected representatives accountable. The marking of 455 booths as ‘sensitive’ in the Kannur district is a reminder of the challenges that the state faces, but it also highlights the efforts being made to ensure that the elections are conducted in a fair and peaceful manner.
As the elections approach, the people of Kerala are eagerly waiting to exercise their right to vote and to shape the future of their local communities. The state government, the Election Commission, and the police are working together to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly and without any major incidents. The deployment of paramilitary forces and additional police personnel to the ‘sensitive’ booths is a part of this effort, and it will help to maintain law and order and to prevent any disruptions.
In conclusion, the marking of 455 booths as ‘sensitive’ in the Kannur district is a significant development, and it highlights the challenges that the state faces in conducting peaceful and fair elections. However, with the efforts being made by the police, the Election Commission, and the state government, the people of Kerala can be confident that the elections will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The use of technology, the deployment of paramilitary forces, and the voter education programs will all play a key role in ensuring that the elections are a success.
News Source: https://thesouthfirst.com/kerala/455-kannur-booths-marked-as-sensitive-ahead-of-kerala-lsg-polls/
