Haryana State Election Commission has asked the police to be extra vigilant ahead of the Panchayat General Election-2015 so that the polls are conducted in a peaceful, free and fair manner.
State Election Commissioner, Haryana, Rajeev Sharma on Saturday said that police should become vigilant and start mopping up operation of the areas infested with known goondas and bad elements about seven days prior of the poll. During such mopping operation, special attention should be paid to unearth and seize unlicensed arms and ammunition right from now.
He said that all the license-holders would be directed to deposit their arms with the District Administration before the last date for the withdrawal of candidatures.
"The District Administration would make foolproof arrangements for keeping the deposited firearms in safe custody. Proper receipt must be given to the license holders depositing the firearms. It would be the bounden duty of the District Administration and Police Authorities to ensure that all firearms deposited with the Administration are returned to the license holders immediately after one week of the declaration of results," he said.
Sharma said that no new arms licenses would be issued during the period in which model code of conduct will remain effective with the announcement of Election program. An order would be issued prohibiting carrying of all licensed fire arms and lethal weapons during this period.
The State Election Commissioner said that adequate police personnel would be deployed at the polling stations, counting centres for security and maintenance of law and order to ensure peaceful, smooth and fair election.
"Adequate wireless sets would be provided to improve communication for meeting any law and Order problem of emergent nature. Strict vigil would be kept over movement of undesirable elements and vigorous check would be carried out to prevent men and vehicles moving with arms and ammunition," he added.
Sharma said that thorough checking of lorries, trucks and other vehicles would be carried out for three days before poll and on the poll day to ensure that no undesirable elements or arms ammunition are infiltrated into and around the polling areas. Restriction on movement of vehicles on poll day would be imposed and instructions would be issued to regulate vehicular traffic and plying of vehicles on poll days.
He said sale and consumption of liquor should be stopped 48 hours before the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll and the day on which counting of votes is to be taken up otherwise penal action should be taken. The Excise and Taxation Department is also being requested to issue orders in this regard, he added.