Agartala, Feb 18, 2023, TRIPURA TIMES Desk
Agartala, Feb 02: Tripura is witnessing post-poll violence in several places despite Election Commission’s appeal for zero poll violence.
Speaking to the media, Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura- Kiran Gitte on Saturday said 16 cases of post-poll violence were registered since Thursday night (poll day).
“Immediate action has been taken in every incident of post-poll violence. A total of 16 incidents—highest nine from Sepahijala district, two from Gomati, one from Khowai, two from Unakoti and two from West Tripura district have been reported so far,” the CEO told reporters.
He said that 21 persons were arrested in connection with these incidents and around 100-150 people were served notices.
Speaking to the media, he said that five incidents of violence outside polling stations were reported on the day of voting- February 16 last. Besides, one case of impersonation was also reported from Gomati district.
“This time, the numbers are less in comparison to the previous assembly elections. But, we want to ensure zero poll violence,” he said while appealing to the people and political parties not to indulge in such incidents and to maintain peace.
The CEO also stated that peace meetings with the representatives of all political parties in all 23 sub-divisions on Saturday.
Meanwhile, two incidents of post-poll violence were reported from Kumarghat in Unakoti district during the past 24 hours. The visuals coming from that area showed that a BJP supporter came under severe attack of the CPM-Congress backed miscreants on Saturday.
Addressing the media at the conference hall of the West Tripura District Magistrate’s office, the CEO said, Tripura recorded total 89.95 per cent voting including postal ballots (2.19 per cent). He said, some postal ballots are still arriving.
He said, voting process was continued in 1682 out of 3337 polling stations after 4 pm; the last voting was reported at 10.55 pm from Taibandal in Dhanpur constituency.
“All EVMs have been taken to the strong rooms. In view of the gap of 14 days between the polling and counting, some additional security measures have been taken. Apart from three-tier security arrangements, CCTVs have been installed in all strong rooms. TCS officers have been engaged in the strong rooms on three-shift duty basis. The representatives of contesting candidates may watch the CCTV footage in a room,” the CEO said.
Scrutiny of the polling diary by Observers was held on Friday; there were demands for re-poll from two constituencies- Matabari and Golaghati. After through scrutiny, the observers didn’t recommend re-poll in any place.
West Tripura District Magistrate Debapriya Bardhan, SP West Tripura- Sankar Debnath, Addl. SP Sudipta Das and CRPF officers were also present in the press conference.