Shoot-at-sight orders in Uttar Pradesh against booth capturers

LUCKNOW - The Uttar Pradesh government Wednesday issued shoot-at-sight orders against booth capturers during the panchayat polls in the state.

“No one howsoever powerful, will be allowed to play with the rule of law and anyone found violating the sanctity of polling booths through acts of violence would be liable to be shot there and then,” Additional Director General of Police Brij Lal said.

“This step was necessitated in view of the escalated violence seen during the first phase of polling Sunday when certain groups indulged in clashes, exchange of firing, arson and murder. Some even stormed into polling booths and assaulted officials,” Lal said.

Security too has been enhanced in each of the 68 districts where the second round of polling is due Thursday, he said.

The elections have been postponed in the four remaining districts - Etah, Kanshi Ram Nagar, Gautam Budh Nagar and Shravasti.

According to Lal, a huge security force of nearly 280,000 personnel, including 140 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary, the civil police, home guards and others was deployed to assist the poll machinery in order to ensure free and fair elections.

To maintain instant communication with the police on duty even in the remotest corner of the state, the government has also equipped around 3,800 policemen with mobile phones.