Himachal Pradesh elections 2017: 17000 security personnel deployed to ensure fair elections

Amid tight security, polling began on Thursday morning in 68 Assembly constituencies of Himachal Pradesh spread across 12 districts, with all eyes on the Shimla and Kangra.

The election commission to avoid any untoward incident during polling hours and post polling has deployed more than 15000 security personnel in the state. The commission to ensure fair and peaceful voting in the state Assembly elections have kept around 96 areas under CCTV surveillance.  

Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Somesh Goyal informed the media that more than 11,000 security personnel of the state, 6,400 home guards. “Uttrakhand has supported us with a battalion,” added the top cop.

Around 65 companies of paramilitary forces have been pressed into service in various strategic locations. “Each and every security personnel have been deployed strategically to thwart any untoward incident,” added Goyal.

The DGP further added that they have taken special measures in the border areas. “Security personnel have been deployed in the border areas according to their sensitivity.”

Goyal added that in the last few days police seized 71 thousand litres of liquor, 400 types of narcotics and Rs 1.66 crore.

Total of 337 candidates including 62 MLAs fate will be decided by 50.25 lakh electorate, including 19 lakh women and 14 transgenders. The results will be announced on November 18.