E-Paper
2,000 cops to keep vigil at counting centres in Amritsar
As stage is set for counting of votes on March 11, the Amritsar police have laid a foolproof security plan to ensure that the counting passes off peacefully.
As stage is set for counting of votes on March 11, the Amritsar police have laid a foolproof security plan to ensure that the counting passes off peacefully.
As there are five counting centres in the city, the police commissionerate has decided to deploy 1,000 cops for the purpose and officers of the rank of additional deputy commissioner of police (ADCP) and assistant commissioner of police (ACP) will be present at each centre.
Talking to HT, Amritsar police commissioner Nageshwara Rao said, “As per the plan, 1,000 policemen will be deployed at the counting centres. There will be an inner cordon, outer cordon and then cops will also be present in the parkings.”
No vehicle will be allowed near the counting centres and no unauthorised person will be allowed to come near the counting area, he said.
The police officer added that only authorised mediapersons and the counting agents of candidates will be allowed. In the city also, vigil will be further heightened for the counting day and special nakas will be put up.
Notably, the Border Security Force (BSF) is already deployed in the first security ring surrounding the counting area. Outside, their will be no deployment of the paramilitary on that day.
Already CCTV cameras are installed outside the counting centers and regular police patrolling will also take place outside the venue. The counting of votes starts at 8:00 AM.
On Wednesday, Punjab chief electoral officer VK Singh visited some counting centres and gave instructions for the counting day to officers of civil and police administration.
Similarly, the Amritsar (rural) police have also made an elaborate plan to ensure smooth counting of votes. “Apart from deploying around 1,000 policemen, we have also made arrangements to ensure that no law and order problem takes place during that day, “ said senior superintendent of police (rural) J Elanchezhian.
The SSP further said that though a lot of weapons have been deposited, still, a close eye will be kept on those getting into celebratory fires or political conflicts.
The counting centres
Ajnala constituency: Government College, Ajnala
Rajasansi constituency: Government Nursing College, Circular road, Amritsar
Majitha constituency: Government ITI, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar
Amritsar North: Government Medical College, Amritsar
Amritsar West: Auditorium Hall, Khalsa College Amritsar
Amritsar Central: Mai Bhago Woman Politechnic College Majitha Road, Amritsar
Amritsar East: Khalsa College for Women
Amritsar South: Khalsa University for Pharmacy, Amritsar
Attari: Main Hall, Khalsa Senior Secondary School Amritsar
Jandiala: Government College for Girls, Mall Road, Amritsar
Baba Bakala: Mata Ganga Girls Senior Secondary School, Baba Bakala
