Malkangiri: Even as the first phase poll ended peacefully in this district Monday, the administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure free and fair elections in the remaining phases of the three-tier panchayat polls.
In a bid to prevent untoward incidents, southern range DIG S Saini and Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra Tuesday made an aerial survey over Khairaput, Korukonda, Kudumulugumma, Mathili and Kalimela blocks to review the situation.
The operation was to keep vigil on Maoists activities. The officials also identified the booths those need more police deployment, it was learnt.
Speaking to the media, the SP said elections would be held for 10 Zilla Parishad seats in various blocks of the district in the next three phases – 15th, 17th and 19th of February.
The survey was necessary as most sensitive and hypersensitive booths come under this region. Border Security Force, Special Operation Group and District Voluntary Force jawans have been deployed to tighten the security arrangements, the SP said.
According to reports, the Maoists had put up posters and banners at several places asking the people to boycott the elections. However, the voters rejected their call and queued up from early morning to exercise their franchise.
The district registered 70 per cent polling in the first phase which indicates the warnings issued by the Maoists had not much impact on the voters, reports said. PNN
