Hailakandi deputy commissioner and district election officer Keerthi Jalli on Wednesday said there is no threat perception in the district and the situation is by and large peaceful.
Addressing a press conference at her office conference hall, Jalli said, “There is nothing to fear or worry as the district has adequate security forces to deal with any situation.”
She said all necessary arrangements have been made, including security to conduct the counting of votes smoothly on Thursday from 7 am onwards.
Jalli said the final counting followed by tallying of five EVMs per constituency with VVPATs slips is expected to be out by 7 pm.
“There will be 14 tables in three counting halls with one micro observer against each table. Two AROs will be detailed in each counting hall. A total of 56 micro observers including eight reserved have been detailed for duty,” said the DC.
“There will be altogether 17 rounds for Katlicherra LAC and 15 rounds each for Hailakandi and Algapur LACs,” she added.
Jalli said the entire counting process will be videographed and CCTVs have been installed in the counting halls and vantage positions covering the entire counting campus of Government VM HS School.
Superintendent of police Mohneesh Mishra said a two-tier security will be in place in and around the barricaded counting campus with one entry and exit points.
Mishra said there will be heavy deployment of security personnel across the district as the administration is willing to take no chances.
DIG (southern range) Prashanta Kumar Dutta said the situation has returned to normalcy as there has been not a single incident since the evening of May 10.
Election observer Radha Kishore Jha said he is in constant touch with the election machinery and will oversee the entire counting exercise.
“We are working in sync to ensure smooth counting of votes tomorrow. I have given suggestions and corrective measures wherever required and to send report directly to the Election Commission,” he added.
Election officer Rahul Doley was also present.
Earlier, election observer Jha held a meeting with the micro observers and other election officials and asked them to adhere to the Election Commission regarding counting and to ensure neutrality and to maintain secrecy of voting.
Meanwhile, in an order issued on Tuesday evening, district magistrate Keerthi Jalli has promulgated Section 144 CrPC banning procession, rally, assembling of large number of people, bursting of crackers, carrying of weapons, inflammatory speeches and use of loud speakers throughout the district.
Moreover, the administration has imposed night curfew from 10 pm of Wednesday till 6 am of Thursday under the jurisdiction of Hailakandi (Sadar) police station areas.
The administration has taken these steps as precautionary measures to instill confidence in the people.