By IANS,
Lucknow: Taking strict cognizance of the sudden spurt in the distribution of firearms licences in parts of Uttar Pradesh ahead of the state assembly polls next year, the Election Commission (EC) has initiated an extensive inquiry into the matter, a top official said Monday.
“In the wake of the liberal distribution of firearms licenses in various districts of Uttar Pradesh, we have started detailed examination into the matter,” Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi told reporters here at a press conference.
Quraishi reached this state capital Monday morning to review election preparations in Uttar Pradesh.
“It has come to our notice that in the last two-four months, as many as 220 firearms licences have been distributed in Shahjahanpur district, 210 in Hardoi, 198 in Lucknow, 114 in Allahabad, 148 in Chitrakoot and 111 in Azamgarh,” said Quraishi, who held a meeting with top government officials, and representatives of various national and state political parties while reviewing the poll preparedness.
“Strict instructions have been issued to the officials regarding neutrality. Our main concern is 100 percent neutrality by the officials and that is never negotiable for conducting free and fair elections,” said Quraishi.
According to him, the strength of registered voters in Uttar Pradesh this time is expected to cross the 12-crore mark.
“Owing to the sustained awareness drives, this time we can expect the figure of the registered voters in the state would rise to 12.48 crore from 10.84 crore,” said Quraishi.