As the Lok Sabha polling date (May 25) approaches, the district administration in Jamshedpur is bustling with preparations to ensure the safety and security of voters in Maoist-infested areas of the constituency.
 
The civil and police administration are collaborating closely to devise strategies for conducting safe and secure elections this time around.
 
A sudden surge in Naxal activities in Seraikela Kharsawan has raised alarms within the administration. However, it's noteworthy that the Naxals have been nearly eradicated from the Dumaria block in Ghatshila sub-division. Similarly, at Patamda and Bodam, previously hotbeds of Naxalism, the movement has significantly dwindled after local residents united against them following atrocities on villagers.
 
Sources reveal that the recent uptick in Maoist activities has prompted intensified patrolling by security forces. Police have ramped up security in Naxal-infested areas of Ghatshila sub-division, including Dumaria, Musaboni, Chakulia, Baharagora, and Ghatshila.
 
Meanwhile Singhbhum Lok Sabha constituency is one of the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Jharkhand. This constituency is reserved for the candidates belonging to the Scheduled tribes. This constituency covers the entire West Singhbhum district and part of Seraikela Kharsawan district.
 
Singhbhum Lok Sabha constituency comprises the following six legislative assembly segments, Seraikela, Chaibasa, Majhgaon, Jaganathpur, Manoharpur, and Chakradharpur.
 
 Kishore Kaushal, the East Singhbhum Senior Superintendent of Police, stated that paramilitary forces will patrol NH-33, with strategic deployments along the route and at government offices in Naxal-affected areas.
 
A senior police official emphasized the necessity of joint police-paramilitary operations during the upcoming election, particularly in areas bordering Singhbhum. Operations in Patamda, Dalma, and Ghatshila regions aim to minimize Naxal activities during the elections.
 
With a significant number of villagers shifting allegiance from Naxals to the police, instilling confidence among these individuals remains a priority for the police administration.
 
Consequently, high security measures are expected during the upcoming poll in Maoist-prone areas of all blocks under Ghatsila sub-division. Moreover, political campaigns are anticipated to steer clear of Naxal strongholds during the election period.
 
Parul Singh, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), underscored the seriousness with which the district administration is addressing the safety and security of political leaders and voters during the elections.
 
While acknowledging the increase in Naxal activities, a Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader expressed confidence in government agencies to mitigate the threat, assuring that campaigning would not be hampered due to Maoist presence.
 
As preparations intensify and security measures are reinforced, the stage is set for a closely monitored electoral process in Jamshedpur, ensuring the democratic rights of its citizens while safeguarding against the looming threat of Naxal violence.