NA-250, the army will help you board the democracy train today

Law enforcers devise a security plan to prevent rigging.

KARACHI:

The men in khakis are here again - to protect democracy.

They will join the police and Rangers personnel to thwart any attempts to disrupt the re-polling in 43 polling stations of NA-250. A total of 5,000 security personnel have been deployed in and outside the polling stations where voters will cast their ballots again today.

While talking to The Express Tribune Clifton SSP Nasir Aftab, said, “We have already deployed our men inside and outside the polling stations. Now there won’t be any chance of rigging.” The polling would be conducted at 38 polling stations in district South and five of district East. According to the security plan, more than 3,600 policemen, 800 Rangers and 600 army personnel have been deployed inside and around polling stations. About 22 policemen, eight to 10 Rangers personnel and six to eight men from the army have also been deployed at every polling station.

A cell to monitor the re-polling has also been established at the Central Police Office where two DIGs, two SSPs and four SPs will monitor the security arrangements. The quick response option of the Rangers and army can be used if the need arises.



Police officials claim the reason behind the rigging on May 11 was that law enforcers had not been ordered to step inside polling stations. “Last time our aim was to maintain the law and order situation and we successful at doing this,” said SSP Aftab. “Now our jawans would take their positions inside the polling stations for the vigilance.”  Rangers personnel have also taken their positions inside and around polling stations in NA-250 to prevent mishaps. While talking to The Express Tribune, a Rangers official said, “Rigging will not be tolerated. During the last polls, we were only present for security. Bu this time we have to curb rigging as well.”

The army is keen to play its role too. Ballot boxes have also been transported from the city courts to their destinations under the supervision of the army. The men in khakis will continue to keep an eye out from the time the first ballot paper is stamped till the time the last voter steps outside a polling station. The army has been given the task to make the elections transparent.

Besides the army’s deployment, the Quick Response Force will also be on standby and can be summoned should an emergency arise. The army’s armoured personnel carriers (APCs) would also be stationed outside polling stations. While talking to The Express Tribune, ISPR’s Karachi spokesperson said, “A large number of army personnel was needed in the last elections. We were not asked to deploy troops inside polling stations in a timely manner back then.” He added that had the army been deployed in polling stations on May 11, some people would have pointed fingers and blamed it for trying to get its handpicked party elected to power.

Other arrangements

Sunday Bazaar in Defence will remain closed today on account of the re-polling in NA-250. Food for on-duty law enforcers has also been arranged. “From Saturday night to Sunday night, we will provide them breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said SSP Aftab. “Police officers, especially SHOs, have been asked to arrange meals of biryani and juices for them.” The police’s finance department will bear all the expenses.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th, 2013.