Steps taken to curb pre and post poll violence in West Bengal: EC
The fourth phase of polling for the Assembly polls in the state will be held on Monday.
Speaking on the steps taken by the Commission to prevent violence, an official statement released on Saturday said, "The Election Commission strongly reiterates that entire Election Machinery including police authorities shall curb violence at all cost and ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in all the polling stations and areas falling under Assembly Constituencies in upcoming phases."
" Prior to the poll day, as part of vulnerability mitigation strategy, confidence building measures are being undertaken by large number of Central Police forces which includes visits to the identified vulnerable habitations, contacting vulnerable people and also preventive measures like seizure of arms and weapons, execution of non-bailable warrants, binding down of history sheeters, anti-social elements by applying relevant legal provisions to ensure fear free environment," read the statement.
"The Commission reiterates that each and every case of pre-poll, poll day and post-poll violence is being closely monitored and strict action would be taken against such perpetrators irrespective of their political affiliation. The Commission has directed the State Election Machinery and police authorities to deal with all such matters timely and effectively," it said.
The Commission has also directed to hold the concerned officials in the areas of poll related violence accountable and also take strict action against such officials if they show any negligence in taking necessary preventive measures or post occurrence legal action in such cases.
Voting for 4th, 5th & 6th Phase of polling spread across 127 Assembly Constituencies in West Bengal is scheduled to be held on 25th April, 30th April and 5th May 2016 respectively.
Meanwhile, campaigning for the fourth phase of polling in the state ended on Saturday.
In this phase, over 1.08 crore people will vote to elect representatives in 33 seats in North 24 Parganas and 16 in Howrah.
Violence was reported in the third phase of polling which was held recently.
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