Comprehensive Security Measures for Assam Assembly Election Vote Counting
Security Arrangements for Vote Counting in Assam
A three-tier security system has been implemented at the counting centre in Chirang
Guwahati, May 3: As the vote counting for the Assam Assembly elections approaches on May 4, district administrations throughout the state are implementing extensive security and logistical measures to ensure a seamless and peaceful counting process.
Authorities have established multi-layered security protocols, installed CCTV systems, and enforced prohibitory measures to uphold law and order on counting day, spanning from Upper Assam to the Barak Valley.
In Biswanath district, counting for the Biswanath, Behali, and Gohpur constituencies will commence at the District Commissioner’s office at 8 am, starting with postal ballots.
Counting will consist of 17 rounds for both Biswanath and Behali, while Gohpur will have 19 rounds, with a total of 13 candidates participating.
Deputy Commissioner Lakhinandan Saharia stated, “In Biswanath, 14 tables have been set up for EVM counting, while Behali and Gohpur will each have 12 tables. Postal ballot counting will occur at three tables in Biswanath, one in Behali, and two in Gohpur, with each table supervised by designated officers.”
He further mentioned, “A robust security framework is in place, with CRPF personnel stationed outside counting rooms and state and district police forming the first security cordon. Areas beyond this initial layer are designated as pedestrian-only zones, and CCTV surveillance is operational in all counting halls.”
In Darrang district, counting for the Sipajhar, Mangaldoi, and Dalgaon constituencies will take place at Mangaldoi College, supported by a three-layer security system. Approximately 300 officials are assigned to counting duties.
Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Jain remarked, “A three-layer cordon system has been established, with 14 EVM tables in each counting hall. Separate halls are allocated for postal ballots. Nearly 300 officials are on duty for counting. Dalgaon is anticipated to have the highest number of rounds. Victory processions and rallies are restricted to maintain public order.”
In the Bodoland Territorial Region’s Chirang district, counting for the Sidli-Chirang and Bijni constituencies will occur at Upendranath Brahma College in Kajalgaon.
The strong room will open at 7 am, followed by postal ballot counting starting at 8 am. Sidli-Chirang will undergo 21 rounds of counting, while Bijni will have 18 rounds.
District Commissioner Madhusudan Nath stated, “A three-tier security system has been implemented at the counting centre, with magistrates assigned at each level to maintain order. Entry is strictly controlled through multiple checkpoints.”
He added, “Section 163 BNSS has been enforced to prevent gatherings or disturbances, and any victory procession will require prior administrative approval. Approximately 4,200 postal ballots have been received so far.”
In Kokrajhar district, counting for five constituencies will be conducted at Kokrajhar Government Higher Secondary and Multipurpose School and Bodoland University.
Deputy Commissioner Uday Praveen confirmed that necessary arrangements and security measures are in place, while Superintendent of Police Akshat Garg noted that 600 to 700 personnel have been deployed, with a separate plan to prevent post-counting violence.
In Upper Assam’s Jorhat, counting for Teok, Jorhat, Mariani, and Titabar constituencies will be held in designated halls at Government Higher Secondary Girls’ and Boys’ schools, each under CCTV monitoring and a three-tier security setup.
Deputy Commissioner Joy Shiwani stated, “Each constituency will have its own counting hall with appointed observers. A three-tier security arrangement is in place, and a dedicated media centre has been established between the security layers. Round-wise updates will be shared through official channels. Strict restrictions have been imposed under Section 163, including a ban on gatherings, slogans, loudspeakers, and victory processions without prior permission.”
In Sivasagar district, counting for Sivasagar, Demow, and Nazira constituencies will occur at the Government Higher Secondary Multipurpose School under tight security, with a 100-metre radius around the centre declared a prohibited zone.
Further south, counting preparations are underway at Karimganj College in Sribhumi district, while Udalguri district has established counting halls at the District Commissioner’s office for four constituencies involving 24 candidates.
Across all districts, authorities have emphasized strict compliance with Election Commission guidelines, including restricted entry into counting halls, a ban on mobile phones and cameras, and stringent legal action against violations.
With comprehensive security and administrative measures in place, officials are optimistic that the counting process will proceed smoothly throughout Assam.