Team Herald
PANJIM: Amid tight security, counting of votes for 40 constituencies will be taken up at 8am starting with the counting of postal ballot papers. A three-tier security plan has been put in place in and around the counting centres in the North and South Goa.
The State police force is fully geared up to deal with any eventuality during or post-counting. Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander said they have ensured foolproof security.
“We are prepared to tackle clashes, if any during and/or after the counting. Police presence at sensitive areas and booths has been strengthened as a precautionary measure,” he said speaking to Herald.
Police have also chalked out necessary arrangement to control traffic and maintain peace and order when victory processions will be carried out. The police chief, however, refused to divulge details of the security plan stating it is sensitive.
As part of the three-tier security arrangements, central para-military forces have been deployed inside the counting centres while local police have been stationed in the outer circle while armed forces from other states will be around the centres to prevent entry of unauthorised persons.
North Goa Collector Nila Mohanan said that an adequate local police force will be stationed at the first point of entry to check the identity of persons seeking entry into the counting premises, and to regulate the traffic. “All authorised persons entering the premise will be frisked at the entry points,” she added.
“The executive magistrate and special additional district magistrate will supervise law and order. As many as 400 armed security personnel will guard the premise while 600 other staff will be deployed on other related duties,” she had said.
