Agartala, Feb 18: The state administration has deployed 191 companies of additional central paramilitary forces, of the 200 companies already in Agartala, to ensure smooth electioneering in the build-up to the Februray 23 Tripura assembly elections.

The nine remaining companies will be deployed after the last date of campaign on February 21.According to state police chief K T D Singh, the BSF has already sealed 856 kms Indo-Bangladesh border to stop the movement of insurgents and to contain any attempt of influx into the state from neighbouring country.

''We are leaving no stones unturned for peacefull electioneering and polling in the state. We have adequate security force this time and we are monitoring the situation round the clock'', Superintendent of Police (Operations) Mr Nepal Das told to the sources.

For the first time the elite Indo-Tibet Border Police (ITBP) was deployed in the state and the jawans with their distinct camouflage have taken charge of all the city corners.

Besides the ITBP, CRPF and BSF personnel in their full gear and weaponry were fanning out to all the vulnerable spots. They were also given charge of protecting important places and venues where senior political leaders would be addressing the rallies.

Massive security blanket was thrown in all 17 sub-divisional towns to ensure free and fair elections to Tripura assembly, Mr Singh stated adding that the security arrangements were beefed up especially from yesterday following the confirmation of the visit of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to the state today and tomorrow.

Mrs Gandhi arrived here today and is scheduled to address two rallies at Dharmanagar, North Tripura and Stable Ground, Agartala while Prime Minister Dr Singh would address party rally in Udaipur, south Tripura tomorrow.


UNI