Security beefed up along Indo-Nepal border ahead of assembly polls in UP

Maharajganj, Jan 29 (ANI): Security has been beefed up along 500-kilometer long Indo-Nepal border in a bid to avert movement of anti-social elements during assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

Electoral officers are leaving no stone upturned to provide a level play field to all the contestants and they are working day and night to avoid any loopholes which could lead to any mishap.

Election commission has laid down strict guidelines this year and they are ensuring that no ill means used by any of the political parties to lure voters.

In wake of this the border security forces have sealed almost 500-kilometer long border that covers eight districts of the Uttar Pradesh, as many fugitives try to enter India during poll period to disrupt the voting process.

The eight districts falling under this border area, which have been turned into a fortress are Maharajganj, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sidharth Nagar, Pilibhit, Kushinagar, Bahraich, Shravasti and Balrampur.

"At present security at the Indo-Nepal border is very strict, police personnel and SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) people are doing very good job but this should continue throughout the year," said Shahid, a social worker.

Border forces in accordance with the state police officials are carrying out thorough search operations in the bordering areas.

The Election Commission of India has ordered police to check vehicles and raid suspected places to seize unaccounted cash and liquor to prevent its misuse during elections.

The polls are being viewed as an opportunity for India's major parties to re-establish or strengthen their foothold in the most populous state.

In the fray are the incumbent Bahujan Samaj Party, state's main opposition SP, alongside the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The result of the Uttar Pradesh elections would broadly indicate the trends for the General elections due in 2014.

Voting in India's most populous, Uttar Pradesh will be held in seven phases starting from February 8 and finishing on March 3.

Three other states - Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa-will hold elections between January 30 and March 3.

The results of the polls would be declared on March 6. (ANI)