Security after scrutiny

SHILLONG, JAN 25: A day after former Meghalaya Community & Rural Development minister Saleng Sangma requested for enhance security cover for himself and his aides, Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer P Naik said “security coverage” will be provided to only those whose candidature is finalized.

Naik, however, said, “There is a provision in the rules to give security to candidates if there is a threat perception to their lives. But it becomes obligatory for election department to provide such facilities once the candidates have filed their nomination and that their candidature is finalized.” Naik told reporters here.

Naik informed that candidate who feels there is a danger to their life can put up their request for security cover to the district election officer.”

Naik said, “If somebody request for security cover, the government is bound to look into their requests and take necessary action.”

Recently one of the three supporters of Sangma who were shot by the GNLA militants succumbed to his injury. The militants had also lobbed a hand grenade in his Ringgregittim residence in Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills in December.- By Our Reporter