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Election Duty by CAPF in India: A Comprehensive Overview

  

Election Duty by CAPF in India: A Comprehensive Overview

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) play a crucial role in ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections in India. Their deployment during elections is coordinated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

1. When It Started

The deployment of CAPF for election duty began formally in the 1990s, though paramilitary forces were occasionally used for law and order even earlier. It gained prominence in the aftermath of the 1989 general elections, when electoral violence and rigging highlighted the need for impartial and professional security forces.

2. Motto/Objective

The primary goal of CAPF deployment during elections is to:

  • Ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.
  • Prevent violence and voter intimidation.
  • Maintain neutrality and instill public confidence in the electoral process.
  • Safeguard democracy by protecting voters' rights and the integrity of the election.

3. Role of CAPF in Elections

The CAPF serves multiple roles during elections, including:

  • Security at polling stations: Ensuring the safety of voters, polling staff, and the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
  • Area domination: Conducting flag marches and patrolling in sensitive areas to deter violence or coercion.
  • Handling law and order: Suppressing riots, controlling crowds, and preventing clashes.
  • Transportation security: Protecting the movement of EVMs and polling materials.
  • Neutral presence: Acting as an impartial force to ensure no political bias.
  • Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs): Responding swiftly to emergencies and violations.

4. Key CAPF Units Deployed for Elections

The following forces are primarily involved:

  • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): Known for managing law and order, especially in conflict-prone regions.
  • Border Security Force (BSF): Deployed in border areas to prevent infiltration and smuggling during elections.
  • Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Ensures the security of critical installations and EVM storage.
  • Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Provides security in hilly and border regions.
  • Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): Monitors sensitive border areas, especially in states like Bihar and UP.

5. Achievements and Impact

The CAPF's involvement has brought significant improvements in the electoral process:

  • Reduction in violence: Election-related violence has decreased significantly in many parts of the country.
  • Neutralizing threats: The presence of CAPF has been instrumental in controlling insurgent groups and political coercion, especially in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast, and Naxal-affected areas.
  • Public trust: The deployment instills confidence among voters, particularly in sensitive and conflict-prone constituencies.
  • Successful large-scale operations: CAPF has successfully managed elections in complex terrains and highly sensitive regions, such as Kashmir and Chhattisgarh.

6. Challenges Faced by CAPF

Despite its success, the CAPF faces several challenges:

  • Operational stress: Continuous election duty adds to the workload of already overstretched forces.
  • Logistical hurdles: Deploying forces to remote and sensitive areas requires meticulous planning.
  • Political accusations: There are occasional allegations of bias, though CAPF is mandated to be apolitical.
  • Insurgency threats: Operating in Naxal or insurgency-affected areas poses significant risks.

7. Future Outlook

To enhance their role in elections, CAPF can focus on:

  • Technology adoption: Using drones and surveillance systems for better monitoring.
  • Training and sensitization: Regular election-specific training to address diverse challenges.
  • Inter-agency coordination: Improved collaboration with local police and election authorities for seamless operations.

8. Conclusion

The CAPF has emerged as a pillar of strength for the Indian democratic process. Its impartial and professional approach has ensured smooth elections, even in the most challenging environments, making it indispensable for preserving the sanctity of Indian democracy.


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