16,000 security personnel deployed for election duty

As part of the preparation for the smooth, free and fair conduct of both the parliamentary and assembly by-election scheduled for April 16 next, state level security coordination meeting was reportedly held Friday afternoon.
State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is learnt to have convened the meeting which was attended by Chief Secretary, Home Commissioner, DGP, IGP (INT) from the state government side, IGAR and DIG (OPS) CRPF from the centre paramilitary forces.
The meeting reportedly discussed in threadbare the prevailing security situation in the state and also the possible interference and involvement of the underground cadres in the ongoing electioneering process.
It was learnt that chief minister Neiphiu Rio in no uncertain terms told the heads of the security forces present in the meeting that the election should be free and fair and asked them to take all possible measures to ensure the same.
Meanwhile, DGP K Kire told Nagaland Post that an additional force of 30 companies of Central Paramilitary Force had arrived and were deployed in the state for election duty. The additional forces included 15 companies each of CRPF and BSF who were already deployed in different district of the state.
Kire also revealed that a total strength of 16,000 security force personnel including CPMF, State Police including NAP, IR and DEF personnel, Home Guards and Village Guards would be deployed for the election duties.
They were assigned various duties including area domination, environmental security such as patrolling and also as striking reserve force in all the districts, he added.