Wednesday, March 22 2006 18:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: The Election Commission would take all necessary steps, including deploying a sufficient number of central para-military forces, for free and fair assembly elections in naxal-hit areas in West Bengal, Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon said today (Mar 22 2006).

"All necessary steps will be taken in the naxal-hit areas for free and fair elections where adequate number of central para-military forces will be deployed," he said at a press conference at the Raj Bhavan at the end of the full EC team's two-day sitting in the metropolis.

Referring to the review of the gamut of poll preparations as well as law and order in the state, Tandon said the problems had drawn attention of the Commission which discussed these at meetings with district magistrates, chief secretary, home secretary and top police officials.

He said the EC would ensure sealing of the state's international border, while it was in touch with neighbouring Jharkhand and Bihar about closing the inter-state border to prevent the movement of naxals.

"Necessary action with be taken at the appropriate time and appropriate level," the CEC said.

The spurt in Maoist insurgency in West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts figured prominently at the meetings with the EC team.

These three districts will witness the first phase of assembly elections beginning on April 17.