Security tightened in South Sikkim for panchayat polls

NAMCHI, 02 Nov: In view of the recent pre poll violence in various parts of South Sikkim, security has been tightened in the district. SP South, Manoj Tiwari while talking to NOW! said that, after the recent incidents security at the polling stations has been upgraded. The number of security personnel deputed in each polling station has been revised and increased owing to the situation, he added.
He further said that, with four hyper sensitive polling stations at Namthang (under Namthang-Rateypani Constituency), Yangyang and Neyabrum (under Rangang-Yangyang Constituency) and Suntaley (under Melli Constituency) and 19 other sensitive polling stations, police is keeping a close watch on the other polling stations  and leaving nothing to chance.
Returning Officer (DM South) AK Singh while talking to this correspondent informed that the Electronic Voting Machines were dispatched to the respective polling stations and no untoward incidents were reported.
A total number of 248 EVMs were distributed among 179 polling stations, 100 for Gram Panchayat poll and 148 for Zilla Panchayat poll. 15 EVMs has been kept as reserved for Zilla Panchayat and 12 for Ward Panchayat poll.  Each sector Magistrate has been provided with reserve EVMs, he informed.
DC South further said that, 12 Sector Magistrates and 10 Sector Police Officers have been deployed to look after the entire polling process in South district. Here, DM, Mr. Singh informed that one Electronic Voting Machine was found defective this morning while dispatching and was replaced immediately.
When asked how the polling stations like Neyabrum and Suntaley have been categorised as hyper sensitive, the DM said that, tension has been brewing in these areas as per reports and as there was maximum chance of disturbance during the poll, hence the stations were categorized as hyper sensitive along with the tension zone of Yangyang and Namthang.
The Panchayat Polls will see 39 candidates contesting for 15 Zilla Panchatays seats and 232 candidates contesting for 99 Ward Panchayats in South District. The Auditorium hall of Namchi Sr Secondary School has been set up as the "Control Room". The contact number of the control room is Phone: 03595-263734 and Fax: 03592-264734.
The polling parties are to report to their respective polling stations by 7 AM in the morning tomorrow and voting will commence from 8 AM and go on till 4 PM, he informed.
On the other hand, one of the Golay supporters, Jacob Khaling was also released on bail by District and Sessions Court South and West, Namchi, today.