In view of the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024, a high-level meeting was convened by Hari Kumar Keshari, Commissioner of Kolhan, and Manoj Ratan, DIG, Kolhan. The session brought together administrative and police officials from three districts of West Bengal, three districts of Odisha, and six districts of Jharkhand—all of which border the Kolhan division. The meeting was held at the Collectorate Auditorium, Jamshedpur, to discuss the security measures and coordination required for the successful and peaceful conduct of the Assembly elections.
The meeting was attended by key officials including Puran Singh, DIG CRPF; Ananya Mittal, DC East Singhbhum; and Kishore Kaushal, SSP East Singhbhum. Representatives from Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar (Odisha) and Purulia, West Medinipur, Jhargram (West Bengal) also participated. Additionally, DC and SP from West Singhbhum, Saraikela-Kharsawan, Ranchi, Khunti, and Simdega joined via an online platform.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on enhancing security at the interstate and inter-district borders. Discussions revolved around setting up mirror checkposts and composite checkposts to ensure foolproof security arrangements. The participants also explored ways to prevent illegal transportation of cash, liquor, drugs, and other gifts by anti-social elements, which could otherwise influence the election process.
Continuous communication was highlighted as a key factor for success. A dedicated WhatsApp group was proposed for efficient coordination between police stations across the borders of Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, allowing for real-time information exchange. This will ensure rapid action against those spreading rumors on social media, and a more synchronized approach in combating illegal activities.
The meeting further discussed the importance of deploying security forces at all sensitive and hypersensitive areas. In response to potential threats, the meeting also highlighted the need for joint operations in combating Naxal activities, enhancing law and order, and effectively monitoring criminal activities.
Detailed strategies were shared on the security arrangements being made at the border checkposts. Discussions included the need to monitor habitual criminals and miscreants along the border areas, and ensure effective control over law enforcement agencies through coordinated measures.
Commissioner Keshari emphasized the importance of mutual coordination to ensure the elections are conducted in a peaceful and fair manner. He pointed out that previous coordination efforts had been successful, but the need to improve communication and mutual cooperation was more critical than ever in the upcoming elections.
The creation of WhatsApp groups for border state officers at both the police station and sub-division levels was recommended to facilitate continuous communication and information exchange. These groups will enable officers to monitor election activities at the DC, SSP, and SP levels, ensuring there is no lapse in the security measures. Security forces will be deployed at sensitive locations to ensure law and order. Coordination among border states is crucial, and each district’s control room will be responsible for overseeing communication and surveillance operations. Continuous monitoring of anti-social elements and rumor-mongers on social media platforms is essential to prevent the spread of misinformation and illegal activities. A joint effort between the police, CRPF, and local authorities will be vital to the success of the election process.
The meeting was attended by ADM Law and Order, Aniket Sachan, SDM Dhalbhum, Shatabdi Majumdar, Rural SP Rishabh Garg, City SP Kumar Shivashish, and various other officers from East Singhbhum.
