With only two days left for the ZPTC and MPTC elections in the Agency area, tension was palpable as the banned CPI (Maoist) moved in its Chhattisgarh cadres and the State police and CRPF already present in large numbers to face any eventuality.
The 11 mandals of the Visakha Agency and six in the plains area are going to polls in the second phase and according to reports reaching here, the Chhattisgarh cadres were reportedly moving in the interior areas of border mandals like Chintapalli. The Maoist party’s Andhra area leaders -- Chalapathi and Azad -- along with some outsiders like Anil and Anand were present in the area and some major incidents are expected.
The ZPTC and MPTC elections seem to be a rehearsal for both Maoists and police as the bigger test is ahead in May when the general elections are scheduled.
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But the police have geared themselves up for the elections as additional Central police force has been sought and more helicopters are requisitioned. The recent statement of Superintendent of Police Vikram Jeet Duggal that the police personnel in large numbers could be rushed to even a remote area in no time once an incident is reported shows the preparedness of the police.
The district police are also repeatedly asking the Girijans not to be afraid of participating in the polling. Simultaneously, they ask the Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream and help the Girijans to improve their life. A polling percentage of nearly 70 per cent during the panchayat elections is often being cited to indicate that Girijans are keen on participating in the election process.
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