AGARTALA, April 30 (TIWN): Around 21 companies of Central paramilitary forces (CPF) are deployed in the state for the 28-member Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) polls related duties which will be held on May 3.

A highly placed police official said that BSF and CRPF jawans who are undergoing training are also engaged for election-related duties. If the existing number is not enough, then additional troops will be brought from outside the State, he said.

According to the police official, Central paramilitary forces are deployed in all polling booths while TSR and police would be engaged outside the polling booths on law and order duties. “Elaborate security measures will be arranged for free and fair elections to TTAADC”.

Earlier, BJP state president Sudhindra Dasgupta said free and fair election to the TTAADC will not be possible under state police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR). He added that the state government has already redeployed its officers in crucial posts to hold the election.
"Realignment of insurgents to influence the election in the hills of Tripura has already begun," said Dasgupta. He added that the administration has been mobilized to exert pressure on the opposition supporters in TTAADC areas to cast vote for CPM. They have also stopped all social security schemes and benefits to opposition supporters.

As a result, a large number of poor tribals are facing serious hardships. Moreover, anti-CPM voters are also being harassed by police in various false cases ahead of the election, he added.
“We want the TTAADC to make their development plan, seeking assistance from the state government. The TTAADC need to get more autonomy and should directly get projects from the Centre," he said.