ECI Directs Vigilance Across Borders: Ensuring Peaceful Elections in 2024

New Delhi April 3 (Amaravati Today) -The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directives to Chief Secretaries, Director Generals of Police of all States and Union Territories, and heads of central agencies to ensure peaceful and inducement-free General Elections in 2024. A crucial meeting was convened today to review and assess the law and order situation, prevention of illicit activities, and strict vigilance along interstate and international borders during the ongoing General Elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

Chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar, along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, the meeting aimed to bring stakeholders together for seamless coordination. CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasized the Commission's commitment to fair and peaceful elections, urging stakeholders to convert resolutions into concrete actions.

Key issues discussed included enhanced coordination among neighboring States/UTs, deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), identification of flashpoints, and measures to address communal tensions. Strict vigilance was urged to curb illegal activities, with specific attention to contraband items and exit/entry points for illicit goods.

Support from Indian Air Force and state civil aviation departments for ferrying polling teams, especially in challenging regions, was reviewed. Adequate security measures for political functionaries, particularly in sensitive states, were emphasized. Recent turmoil in Manipur was addressed, stressing swift action to assist Internally Displaced Persons.

General directives included integrated check posts at borders, sharing intelligence, sealing borders during the last 48 hours, and intensified patrolling. Additionally, expenditure monitoring measures were outlined to curb the inflow of illicit goods, strengthen monitoring at checkposts, and establish joint operations among departments.

Central agencies were directed to maintain strict vigilance along various international borders and coordinate with state police effectively. Specific instructions were given to Assam Rifles, SSB, BSF, ITBP, and Indian Coast Guard to secure respective borders and hold regular joint security coordination meetings.

In essence, the ECI's directives aim to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, emphasizing coordination, vigilance, and proactive measures to safeguard against any disruptions or inducements during the General Elections of 2024.