West Bengal’s Maoists infested zones or the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) districts have been turned into a fortress with less than two days to go for the polls.

The largest paramilitary force – CRPF which was deployed in the Maoist-infested zones or Junglemahal in West Bengal was recently withdrawn by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in view of re-deployment of CRPF companies in other districts going for the polls.

However, almost 80,000 jawans of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed in the sixth phase of elections. This phase is one of the most crucial ones as LWE zones comprising districts of Jungle Mahal – Jhargram, Purulia and parts of Bankura, West Midnapore and Birbhum has not seen any Maoist movements in the last five years and the security agencies have chalked out massive plan to thwart any Maoists trying to disrupt the poll process.

“Since the last one week, we have started combing and search operations. Culverts, new roads, ambush locations have all been identified and we have started sanitising all these areas. As many as 683 companies have been deployed in these zones and all of the 683 company commanders and ADHOC commanders have been asked to be on the field and be available on the phone at all times,” said S. Raveendran, IG, CRPF, West Bengal sector.

Considering the fact that polling personnel trying to carry out polling in Maoist-infested zones and security personnel have come under attack, CRPF has ordered them to walk on foot in vulnerable and sensitive areas to avoid landmines.

“Our priority is safety and security of polling personnel. We have often seen either on their way to the polling station or on their way back from the polling station, they come under attack. We will ensure they are escorted safely to and fro from the polling stations in sensitive areas. As far as the security of the jawans is concerned, they have been asked to be on foot to prevent any landmine blast. Several anti-landmine and landmine assistant vehicles have also been pressed into service. Jawans in the most sensitive zones have been asked to wear the bullet proof jackets and bullet proof helmets,” added Raveendran.

In case of an eventuality, a chopper will remain stationed at Salboni CRPF camp to evacuate the injured or be pressed into service incase of any emergency arises.