Siliguri, 16th April: Security arrangements have been tightened in Siliguri ahead of the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, with central security forces conducting a route march using bulletproof vehicles in the city.
The administration has effectively placed Siliguri under a tight security cover to ensure peaceful and fair polling. Continuous route marches are being carried out across different parts of the city. In one such operation, personnel of the central forces were seen marching with modern bulletproof armoured vehicles in the Champasari area.
According to information, these bulletproof vehicles have been specially brought from Jammu and Kashmir and are typically deployed in highly sensitive and conflict-prone regions.
This marks one of the first instances of such vehicles being used in the Bengal Assembly election process, indicating the level of preparedness of the security apparatus.
During the route march, forces patrolled areas from Pradhan Nagar to the Champasari anchal office, sending a message to the public to vote without fear. The presence of bulletproof vehicles further strengthened the sense of security in the locality.
It is notable that incidents of violence were reported in Siliguri and the Dabgram-Fulbari area in previous elections. Keeping this in view, the Election Commission has enhanced security measures this time, including deployment of central forces and specialised armoured vehicles in sensitive zones.
Officials have made it clear that no form of violence or disturbance will be tolerated in the upcoming election, and these vehicles may also be used for rapid response if required.
At present, the administration, police, and central security agencies remain on high alert, taking all necessary steps to ensure peaceful polling in Siliguri.