24 May 2024, Chandigarh – In preparation for the Lok Sabha General Elections 2024 in Haryana on May 25, a meeting of senior police officers was convened at the Police Headquarters in Panchkula, chaired by Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur. The meeting was attended by Inspectors General of Police, Police Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and Deputy Commissioners of Police across the state through video conferencing. Detailed discussions focused on various aspects, including the deployment of police forces to ensure the peaceful conduct of the polling process.
Strategy for Maintaining Law and Order During Polling
In the meeting, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar presented a comprehensive report on the preparations for maintaining law and order on election day. The DGP emphasized that maintaining law and order during the elections is the highest priority so that people can vote without fear and in an impartial manner. He urged all police officers to be unequivocally clear about their duties and to continuously brief their subordinates. Police personnel must understand how to handle various scenarios that may arise at polling stations. Essential contact numbers should be provided to facilitate quick communication when needed. Coordination with deputy commissioners and strict adherence to the Election Commission of India’s guidelines were highlighted as critical measures to maintain law and order at all levels.
Clear Communication at Every Level
DGP Kapur stressed the importance of clear and consistent communication from senior police officials to the last officer on duty. Every policeman should be well-versed in their responsibilities, and any negligence will not be tolerated. Effective communication and coordination among all police personnel are essential to maintaining order during the elections.
Vigilance Across All Areas
Discussing the deployment of police forces at polling booths, DGP Kapur assured that adequate personnel have been allocated to all districts. Police commissioners and superintendents should deploy forces as needed within their jurisdictions. The importance of remaining vigilant even after the voting concludes was underscored to prevent any post-poll violence and to monitor anti-social elements until the day after the election.
Active Control Rooms and Swift Action
Police officers were instructed to maintain constant contact with control room staff and to monitor every election-related call. Each call must be handled systematically, ensuring that messages reach the appropriate officials efficiently. The effective use of the wireless system was emphasized. Thorough pre-election preparations will ensure smooth operations on polling day. Regular patrolling by designated parties was also instructed to maintain order.
Adequate Force and Robust Security Measures
The meeting highlighted the deployment of over 35,000 Haryana police personnel (including SPOs), 112 companies of paramilitary forces, and over 24,000 home guards for the Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, 300 checkpoints will be established at intra-state and inter-state borders. The state will have 10,343 polling locations with 20,006 polling booths. Among these, 1,362 locations with 3,033 booths have been identified as critical, and 51 booths as vulnerable, necessitating additional police presence. There will also be 418 flying squads, 415 static surveillance teams, and 34 quick response teams. A total of 1,039 patrolling parties will ensure compliance with law and order and the model code of conduct, operating round-the-clock.
Training and Mock Exercises on New Laws
The meeting also discussed the implementation of three new laws. DGP Kapur emphasized the crucial role of district police commissioners and superintendents of police in enforcing these laws effectively. He directed them to ensure thorough training for investigating officers on these new laws. Mock exercises will be conducted after May 25 to prepare officers to confidently handle cases according to the new regulations by July 1, 2024.
TAKEAWAYS–
- Senior Police Officials Meeting Held under the Chairmanship of Director General of Police Regarding Lok Sabha Election Preparations, Necessary Guidelines Issued
- – Every level of officer in the police department should have clarity about their duties; negligence will not be tolerated – DGP
- – Over 35,000 police personnel (including SPOs), 112 companies of paramilitary forces, and more than 24,000 home guard personnel will be deployed.
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