A massive security operation has been implemented across the Kannur district, which accounts for the largest share of sensitive polling booths in the state. Of the 2,513 booths designated as sensitive for the local body elections, 1,025 are located in Kannur, where polling is scheduled for Thursday.
In view of potential violence at these locations, over 5,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure heightened security and continuous surveillance. Furthermore, Keltron’s web-casting system will be operational at all sensitive booths.
Of the sensitive booths, 602 fall under the jurisdiction of the Kannur City Police, with the Rural Police overseeing 423.
The deployment includes 2,500 police personnel within city limits and 2,600 in rural areas. Additionally, 125 members of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been stationed in the district. In areas susceptible to Maoist threats, a 150-member Special Operations team has also been positioned. Security forces have conducted route marches in various locations. Fifty booths in the district have been identified as “prone to Maoist threat,” with 21 of these falling under the Iritty police subdivision. Most stations facing this threat are situated in the Aralam, Ayyankunnu, and Ulikkal panchayats.
The subdivision has 170 booths in total, with 25 highly sensitive and 10 sensitive. In the Muzhakunnu police station limits, sensitivity has been flagged for as much as 80 per cent of the booths.
A dedicated control room has been established at the District Collectorate for real-time monitoring of all web-cast polling booths.
When polling commences on December 11, the web-casting from the booths will start with the morning mock poll. The control room will be fully operational from 5:30 AM, and visuals will be tracked continuously until polling concludes. Each computer system is capable of monitoring visuals from 18 booths simultaneously.
Meanwhile, authorities have expressed relief that Kannur — historically known for intense political clashes — has not experienced any major violence during the campaign period. Police efforts remain concentrated on preventing any disturbances both on polling day and during the subsequent counting process.
Also read: India Post unveils Kerala’s maiden Gen-Z post office
Follow us
