With vote counting for the ongoing elections scheduled for May 4, the Assam government has intensified security preparations across the state and directed officials to remain on high alert to ensure a peaceful and smooth counting process. Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota chaired a high-level review meeting through video conference with senior civil and police officials to assess the preparedness for counting day and the security situation in different districts. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the state administration and police department, including top home department officials, senior police officers, district administrations, and commandants of security battalions deployed in different parts of the state. District Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and other senior officers joined the meeting from their respective districts. During the review, the Chief Secretary stressed that all instructions issued by the Election Commission of India must be followed strictly without any deviation. He made it clear that the administration would adopt a “zero tolerance” approach towards any negligence or lapse during the counting process.
Officials discussed arrangements related to counting centres, security deployment, transportation management, crowd control measures, and monitoring of strong rooms where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are currently being kept under security cover. The state government has asked all districts to maintain round-the-clock surveillance of strong rooms until counting is completed. Senior officers have been instructed to personally inspect strong rooms and counting centres regularly to ensure that security arrangements remain fully intact. According to officials present in the meeting, the administration is taking extra precautions in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incident before or after counting. Authorities have been directed to ensure adequate deployment of police and paramilitary personnel around counting venues and other important locations. The Chief Secretary also instructed officials to make sure that security personnel reach their assigned locations on time so that there is no gap in deployment during the counting process. Special attention is being given to districts that have witnessed political tension or clashes in the past during election periods. Sources said the administration is particularly concerned about possible tensions after declaration of results. In view of this, district authorities have been asked to closely monitor the situation on the ground and remain prepared to respond quickly to any disturbance.
Officials have also been directed to keep a close watch on cases related to election-related offences and other pending disputes that could trigger tension during the post-counting period. The administration fears that local-level rivalries between political supporters may lead to confrontations after results are announced.To prevent violence and maintain law and order, the state government has asked districts to strictly regulate victory celebrations and public processions after counting. Authorities have been told to take necessary restrictions if required to avoid clashes between rival political groups. The administration is also expected to enforce strict security protocols around counting centres on the day of counting. Entry into counting venues will remain heavily restricted and only authorised personnel will be allowed inside after verification.Officials said arrangements are being made to ensure uninterrupted power supply, surveillance systems, barricading, and communication support at counting centres. Emergency response teams and reserve security forces are also likely to remain on standby in several districts. The state government has further instructed district administrations to maintain close coordination between civil and police authorities throughout the counting process so that any developing situation can be handled immediately.
