Ahmedabad: At least half of the 50,000 odd paramilitary and security forces deployed in Gujarat to ensure peaceful, free and fair Assembly elections on December 12, would stay back till counting of votes are over, police said.

Gradual withdrawal of 50 per cent of the amalgamated troops and Central forces would start from December 14, director general of police (DGP) K Chakravarthy said on December 13.

The counting of votes would begin on December 15. Despite heavy security blanket, four districts of the state witnessed violence during polling.

Chakravarthy said, "At least 50 per cent of the total state and Central security personnel, deployed for election duty will remain stationed at all counting centres and sensitive parts of the entire state till counting is over."

He added that a decision on total troop withdrawal would be taken after reviewing the situation with all concerned officials after December 15.

The DGP also expressed satisfaction over the state police and paramilitary including Border Security Force (BSF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and State Reserve Police (SRP) personnel's handling of elections at the communally charged state.

"Some parts of the state were tense and violence did prompt us to take quick measures but prompt action by security personnel prevented the situation from going out of hand," Chakravarthy said.

PTI