High end technology, military helicopters to be used in Manipur elections

The Parliamentary elections in Manipur will witness use of modern technologies and military equipments . State Election officials said paramilitary forces would be utilized and security personnel posted considering the sensitiveness of the polling stations . There are large numbers of polling stations which can not be covered by road within a short period hence poll materials will be airlifted using four military helicopters. To ensure proper voting process arrangements will be made to webcast live the hypersensitive polling stations . In the last 2012 Assembly elections there were incidents in which militants attacked polling stations. Five persons including a CRPF jawan had died in an attack on a polling station on 28 Jan 2012 hence adequate security arrangements will be taken up to avoid such incident. About 13,000 security personnel were used in the last State Assembly elections. This time also similar numbers of security personnel may be required but the exact estimate is still being worked out. To control the activities of the militants under suspension of operation in the state joint monitoring group will regularly meet and chalk out strategies. Observers appointed by the Election Commission will be posted in all the districts. As there is poor connectivity in the border areas officials will be relying mostly on mobile phones and high tech equipments to be installed for the purpose to enable poll officials photograph, web cast and maintain connectivity. Manipur will witness polls on April 9 (Outer Manipur) and April 17 (Inner Manipur ).