Patna: Bihar is all set for the second phase of the Assembly elections, with the state under a massive security cover. Of the 20 districts going to polls on Tuesday, 17 are border districts. To ensure peace and safety, a record 1,650 companies of central armed forces have been deployed. The forces include personnel from the CRPF, SSB, and ITBP, supported by 100 companies of the Bihar Special Armed Police. Authorities have also sealed borders with Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal to prevent any illegal movement or disturbances during voting.
According to officials, seven districts share an international border with Nepal — West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj. Other districts share borders with neighbouring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. With so many border areas involved, special coordination has been established between the police departments of these states. Meetings have been held with top police officers from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bengal to increase vigilance and strengthen checking at border points.
To maintain strict security, over 4.5 lakh police personnel and officers have been deployed across the state. This includes the Bihar Police, District Police Force, Home Guards, trainee constables, and local Chowkidars. Every polling station will have armed security personnel present. Mounted police units will patrol certain areas, while Quick Response Teams (QRTs) with commandos from the ATS and STF have been set up to respond quickly in case of emergencies. The security presence is even higher than in the first phase, where 1,500 companies of central forces were deployed.
In Naxal-affected areas like Gaya, Jamui, and Aurangabad, the Special Task Force (STF) has launched intense search operations. Drones are being used to monitor forested and hilly areas that were once affected by Naxal activities. Roads, bridges, and remote areas are being checked, and bomb disposal squads have been stationed in sensitive locations. Security teams are using modern technology, including communication satellites, for real-time monitoring.
Officials said that joint checkposts are being set up at borders, and nodal officers have been appointed in each border district to report to headquarters regularly. With such strong arrangements and coordination, authorities are confident that the second phase of voting in Bihar will be conducted smoothly and peacefully.
