More paramilitary forces sought in Vellore for poll

Based on their assessment of threats to law and order in Vellore district from caste, community and religious factors, state and central intelligence agencies have asked for a strong contingent of paramilitary forces stationed in the district during election.

Sixteen companies of paramilitary forces, each having 80 and 100 personnel, are expected to be deployed in Vellore district. “We will have reinforcements if the situation demands for more. In 2011 election, 12 companies were deployed here,” said a senior police officer.

Police sources say they have taken measures anticipating trouble but would need more legs on the ground to secure the area. Among the major areas of concern is the PMK going alone in the election, which could affect community relationships in northern districts of the state. Vanniyar-dominated areas such as Sholinghur, Arcot and Anaicut and pockets like Ambur, Arcot and Vaniyambadi towns that have a high Muslim population have been classified as vulnerable areas in the district.

Recollecting the June, 2015 riot following the death of a Muslim youth, police officials said that “fundamentalists” might try to instigate hatred for political mileage. The BJP has fielded its candidate in Ambur constituency in which nearly 50 policemen and women were seriously injured in the riot. The party has taken up the riot as a campaign theme.

The district witnessed brutal murders of BJP leader Dr Arvind Reddy in October 23, 2012 and Hindu Munnani leader S Vellaiyappan on July 1, 2013. A six-member gang tried to bump off BJP’s state vice president of endowment cell Sivaprakasam, 60, on January 1 this year in Vaniyambadi Town. Sivaprakasam sustained grievous injuries in the attack. The police are yet to identify the perpetrators.

Similarly, there were incidents when a group of unidentified men pelted stones at the vehicle of VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan near Walajapet last year. Superintendent of Police of Vellore P Pakalavan said that they have identified 71 locations as vulnerable areas in 13 constituencies.