Election Commission tells State governments to use full force to keep Maoists away

Wary of targeted attacks by Maoists and insurgents, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to ensure full and optimal utilisation of the police force, including central paramilitary forces and state armed forces. It wants the states to prepare a state deployment plan in consultation with the state's chief electoral officer and state-level force coordinator appointed by the union home ministry.

The directive, sent on Monday, specifically asks state governments not to deploy armed police in less than one section strength (15-20 personnel) in insurgency/militancy/naxalite affected areas.

"The SP of the concerned district shall certify in writing whether the area is insurgency affected or otherwise," the EC said in its elaborate directive that also aims to stop any attempts of a foul play by interested parties in by way of hobnobbing with the insurgents.

In a related incident, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was severely injured on Monday in an attack by Maoists in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. The injured, Sub-Inspector Mahendra Singh, was admitted to a hospital in Jagdalpur city in Chhattisgarh.

Rebels apparently opened indiscriminate fire at security officials but fled the spot when security forces retaliated.