J'khand polls: 149 polling stations relocated

A total of 149 polling stations have been relocated in 16 Maoist-hit constituencies in Jharkhand, for Friday's fifth and final phase voting.

A total of 149 polling stations have been relocated in 16 Maoist-hit constituencies in Jharkhand, for Friday's fifth and final phase voting, amid air surveillance and unprecedented deployment of security personnel.

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"In all 149 polling stations spread over 12 of the 16 constituencies have been relocated for security or other reasons," an Election Commission release said here on Thursday. A maximum of 48 polling stations have been relocated in Manika, followed by 27 in Latehar and 13 in Simaria.

"With the aim of conducting free and fair polls, senior IPS officers in the ranks of IG and DIG will monitor the polling from strategic points," a senior police officer said.

Between 700 and 750 companies, each comprising 80-100 personnel, have been deployed to conduct free and fair polling in the wake of Maoist boycott call.

Polling in the previous four phases for 65 assembly constituencies had accounted an overall impressive 58.51 per cent figure.