High security cover has been provided to polling stations located in the sensitive zones of Mizoram’s border areas where underground elements call the shots, according to State Chief Electoral Officer Lalmalsawma.

Areas adjoining the neighbouring states where underground activities are common can never be taken for granted. We have assessed the situation and decided to be more cautious for the November 20 assembly poll, Mr Lalmalsawma informed.He said 57 polling stations had been declared sensitive for the poll. In all 18 companies of para military forces would be deployed to help the state police in conducting a smooth poll.

Although there is no insurgency related issue, the Bru sentiment may come up strongly. The Bru issue has snowballed into a major crisis in Mizoram, with the threat of poll boycott call by save Mizoram committee looming large after the arrest of eight SMC members in connection with the alleged ransacking of the office of the Chief Electoral Officer.The SMC, a forum comprising all political parties and NGOs of the state, is against the inclusion of the Bru voters in the elector- al rolls of Mizoram by the Election Commission of India.

Mr Lalmalsawma said the centre will send ten companies BSF for Mizoram poll. The State Government has sought for another five companies. The primary concern was security, he said and added that 15 companies and three platoons of para-military forces would help the state police in monitoring the security formula- tion for the polls.

The CEO said booth capturing and communal violence were common factors that often blemished election. Polling stations listed as sensitive have mostly ethnic minorities.

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