SECURITY PLAN FOR MANIPUR DURING PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

 Ensuring security in Manipur ahead of the parliamentary elections is of paramount importance given the historical backdrop of violence, particularly between the valley-based Maitai and hill-based Kukis over the past year. While there has been a noticeable decline in the intensity of violence in recent months, sporadic incidents persist, necessitating a comprehensive security strategy to safeguard the electoral process.

Anticipating the forthcoming elections, it is imperative to assess potential threats to the integrity of the electoral process and anticipate the types of violence that may occur during campaigning. This requires a thorough analysis of historical patterns, existing tensions, and potential provocations.

Protecting candidates from various political parties during their campaigning activities is crucial. This can be achieved through a combination of measures including providing adequate security details, implementing strict guidelines for public events, and maintaining close coordination with local law enforcement agencies.

Ensuring the security of election booths is vital both before and during the polling process. This involves deploying sufficient security personnel to deter any attempts of tampering or intimidation, conducting thorough security sweeps prior to polling day, and employing stringent access control measures at polling stations.

To safeguard the interests of common voters during and after elections, it is essential to maintain a visible security presence at polling stations and implement measures to prevent voter coercion or intimidation. Additionally, post-election security measures should be in place to address any potential grievances or disputes that may arise.

Preventing losing candidates from resorting to violence due to defeat requires proactive measures such as engaging political stakeholders in dialogue, providing avenues for dispute resolution, and swiftly addressing any allegations of electoral malpractice through legal channels.

The role of various insurgent groups during the elections must be closely monitored and addressed through a combination of intelligence gathering, targeted operations against militant elements, and community engagement initiatives aimed at countering extremist narratives.

 

In summary, a detailed plan for ensuring security before, during, and after elections in Manipur should include:-

·        Comprehensive threat assessment and risk analysis.

·        Security Forces Available .

·        Additional forces required.

·        Timeline for deployment of additional forces.

·        Deployment of adequate security personnel to protect candidates and polling stations.

·        Implementation of strict security protocols for campaigning activities and polling stations.

·        Engagement with political stakeholders to prevent post-election violence.

·        Monitoring and addressing the activities of insurgent groups through intelligence gathering and targeted operations.

·        Continuous vigilance and rapid response to any security incidents or breaches.

·        Coordination and collaboration between security forces, election officials, and community leaders to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.22

Ensuring security during elections in Manipur, given its history of violence and various insurgent groups, requires a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders including law enforcement agencies, election officials, political parties, and civil society. Here's a detailed plan for ensuring security before, during, and after elections:

Before Elections:

Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. This includes analyzing the activities and capabilities of insurgent groups, monitoring communal tensions, and assessing the security situation in different regions of Manipur,including violence from insurgent groups, inter-community conflicts, and political rivalries area wise.

Utilize intelligence agencies to gather real-time information on potential troublemakers and their plans.

Coordination and Cooperation: Foster cooperation and coordination among law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies, and election officials. Establish communication channels for sharing timely intelligence and information.

Security Measures for Candidates: Provide security to candidates of various political parties, especially those who are at high risk of violence or threats. This may involve providing personal security details, securing their residences, and conducting regular threat assessments.

Security of Election Booths:

Booths can be classified as sensitive ,extra sensitive.

 Ensure the security of election booths by deploying adequate security personnel, including police and paramilitary forces. Conduct regular patrols and surveillance in sensitive areas. Install CCTV cameras and other monitoring equipment to deter and detect any suspicious activities.

Voter Education: Conduct voter education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of peaceful elections and discourage participation in violence or intimidation tactics.

During Elections:

Election Booth Security:

•        Deploy adequate security personnel at polling stations before, during, and after elections to prevent any disruptions.

•        Use CCTV cameras and other surveillance equipment to monitor polling stations and detect any suspicious activities.

•        Conduct thorough security sweeps of polling stations before the commencement of voting to ensure no weapons or explosives are present.

Security of Common Voters:

•        Educate voters about safety protocols and encourage them to report any instances of intimidation or violence.

•        Establish helplines or hotlines for voters to report security concerns or incidents.

•        Ensure the presence of law enforcement personnel near polling stations to provide assistance and maintain order.

Deployment of Security Forces: Deploy sufficient security forces at polling stations to deter any attempts of violence or intimidation. Ensure that polling stations are adequately staffed with election officials and security personnel.

Mobile Patrols and Quick Response Teams: Establish mobile patrols and quick response teams to respond swiftly to any incidents of violence or unrest. These teams should be equipped to handle various scenarios, including crowd control and evacuation if necessary.

Monitoring of Insurgent Groups: Keep a close watch on the activities of insurgent groups and take preemptive action to disrupt any attempts to disrupt the electoral process. This may involve targeted operations based on actionable intelligence.

Ensuring Fairness and Transparency: Ensure that the election process is conducted in a fair and transparent manner, free from any coercion or undue influence. Monitor the conduct of political parties and candidates to prevent any violations of electoral laws.

Sealing of International Border.

This is to stop flow of insurgents arms, ammunition and explosive

After Elections and During Counting Stage:

Security during Vote Counting: Provide security during the vote counting process to prevent any attempts of tampering or manipulation. Ensure that election officials are protected and that the process is conducted in a secure environment.

Maintaining Law and Order: Maintain law and order in the post-election period to prevent any incidents of violence or unrest. This may involve heightened security measures in sensitive areas and monitoring of potential hotspots.

Addressing Grievances: Establish mechanisms for addressing grievances and complaints related to the election process. This includes addressing allegations of electoral fraud or misconduct through legal channels.

Reintegration and Rehabilitation: Offer opportunities for reintegration and rehabilitation to former insurgents who may wish to participate in the democratic process. This can help in reducing the influence of insurgent groups and promoting long-term peace and stability in Manipur.

In conclusion, ensuring security during elections in Manipur requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of violence while also implementing practical measures to safeguard the electoral process and protect the rights of voters and candidates. Collaboration and cooperation among various stakeholders are essential for success in this endeavor.

By implementing these measures comprehensively and proactively, the security apparatus can mitigate the risks associated with the elections in Manipur and ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process. However, it's essential to adapt these strategies based on real-time intelligence and evolving security dynamics in the region.