Before appointing them in internal parts of Bastar during the ensuing Assembly polls, district police and paramilitary forces are given extensive training for coping with the hurdles posed by rivers, rivulets dotting the densely forested parts of the Gondwana land besides its treacherous geographical rigours. Since, major parts of Bastar is sensitive from Maoist insurgency point of view, the forces are being equipped with Global Positioning System as well.
Notably, for completing the poll work peacefully, in addition to the existing security forces six thousand five hundred more paramilitary jawans will be needed to take the command in outer areas. The Bastar district administration has demanded 64 additional companies of paramilitary forces from the election commission for deputing them in different areas. As per the availability, Indian Tibet Border Force, Border Security Force or Central Reserve Police Force jawans are likely to be sent here and as per the programme these Jawans would be given training in phases before they will be sent to any place as per the requirement.
Meanwhile, in view of the increased political activities here and visits of leaders of various political parties including the chief minister, the district police administration has intensified patrolling on National and State Highways even as the presence of security forces at Bastanar, Kamanar, Jeeram, Netanar, Nangur and other bordering areas had already been strengthened. Bastar Superintendent of police too has ordered thana in-charges for conducting vehicle checking and arrests of anti social elements in their respective areas.
These are seen as part of preparations for the ensuing poll, notification of which is likely to be made in the first week of October, as the district administration is giving final touches to the lists of sensitive and most sensitive polling booths. According to sources, Police may have to put some extra efforts in Mardum, lohandiguda, Darbha, Kodenar and some parts of Bastanar this time to ensure peaceful poll.
Inspector General of Police, Bastar range, Arundev Gautam said that preparations for ensuring the peaceful poll in Bastar areas were on. The administration is also considering for sending additional contingents of security forces in sensitive areas, specially rural pockets, for which forces are given special training.