EC Bans Entry of Politicians in Cooch Behar for 3 Days, Curtails Campaigning For 5th Phase

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced that no political leader from any party will be allowed to “enter the geographical boundaries of Cooch Behar district for the next 72 hours with immediate effect”. The decision was taken hours after West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee announced to visit Sitalkuchi constituency in the district on Sunday to meet families of four killed today as central forces allegedly opened fire after coming under attack from locals, who “attempted to snatch their rifles” in the district.

The ECI has also extended the “silence period” from 48 hours to 72 hours, for the fifth phase of polling West Bengal after the poll violence in the district to prevent any possible law and order flare-up.

“In Cooch Behar district comprising of 9ACs (AC numbers 1 to 9) where voting shall be over by today, no political leader from any national, state, or other party should be allowed to enter the geographical boundaries of the district for the next 72 hours. This comes into force with immediate effect,” reads the ECI order.

“The Election Commission of India further directs that the silence period for phase 5 (i.e. for polls scheduled on April 17) shall be extended to 72 hours and no campaigning shall be permitted during 72 hours before the close of the poll in order to ensure the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections,” it further reads. The silence period is generally for 48 hours.

West Bengal Chief Secretary, DGP, DM and Superintendent of Police of Cooch Behar district have been asked to take all necessary steps to ensure the strict compliance of the directions of the Commission.

The Trinamool Congress have decided to hold protests in every block and ward of West Bengal over the firing in Cooch Behar on Sunday.

The firing took place around 9.35am at Assembly Constituency No 5 (Sitalkuchi), Booth No 126 in Amtali Madhyamik Shiksha Kendra under the Mathabhanga police station in the Cooch Behar district.

Those who were injured are being treated in a local hospital and additional central forces were sent to Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar to maintain the law and order situation in the area.

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