The Election Commission of India has made elaborate preparations to meet any emergency during the ensuing Meghalaya Assembly polls.
Along with other preparedness, air ambulances will also be kept stand by in the Garo Hills region for evacuation in case of emergency during the upcoming Meghalaya Assembly polls.
This was decided in a review meeting called by Prakash D, Inspector General of CRPF, Shillong.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has taken elaborate measures like deployment of armed forces at polling stations, basic amenities, flag marching at and around critical and vulnerable polling stations and confidence building among the general public.
The IG of CRPF has also directed the designated officers to re-enforce deployment in militancy-affected areas and for far-flung polling stations.
In the meeting, considerable stress was also laid on sharing of intelligence on real time basis.
Cashless medical facilities have been prepared in all the districts for the security forces, so that in times of emergency, instant medical assistance may be provided.
Security forces have also been directed to be firm in their duties, but at the same time be polite and approachable to the public.
As per the direction of ECI, 100 companies have already been allotted for the upcoming Assembly election in the State.
25 companies have already been deployed. The rest of the 75 companies would be inducted very soon. An elaborate induction plan has also been finalized, details of which were discussed in the meeting.
The meeting was attended by JPK Ray, DIG, CRPF, Range Guwahati, B C Dalbehera, Commandant 120 Bn, CRPF apart from all nodal officers from East Garo Hills.
The meeting was also attended by Rishikesh Meena, IPS, police observer from East Garo Hills for the elections.
Meghalaya goes to polls on February 27. Counting of votes will be held on March 3 next.