A group of former bureaucrats has voiced strong opposition to the withdrawal of an order that deployed 1,600 forest department personnel for election duty in Assam. The decision to rescind the deployment, they argue, could compromise the smooth conduct of upcoming state elections and affect security arrangements in sensitive areas.

The officials, many of whom previously held senior positions in administrative services, stressed that forest personnel have traditionally played a key role in assisting election authorities, particularly in remote and forested regions. These officers, they noted, are familiar with local terrains and communities, which makes them an indispensable resource during large-scale electoral exercises.

According to sources, the withdrawn order had initially sanctioned the deployment of 1,600 personnel across several districts in Assam. Their responsibilities included managing polling stations in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring safe transport of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and assisting local law enforcement in maintaining peace during the election period. The withdrawal of such manpower has raised concerns over potential logistical and security challenges, especially in regions with a history of electoral sensitivity.

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The former bureaucrats have urged the Election Commission and state authorities to reconsider the decision. They highlighted that Assam’s election environment often requires additional personnel to handle both administrative duties and emergency situations. “Deploying trained personnel from the forest department is a proven practice that ensures elections are conducted efficiently and without disruption,” one of the officials commented.

The state administration, while yet to officially respond to the criticism, is understood to be reviewing the situation. Some reports indicate that authorities are exploring alternative arrangements to compensate for the reduction in manpower, though the adequacy of such measures remains uncertain. Meanwhile, political parties in the state have also expressed apprehensions, with several stressing the importance of adequate personnel to prevent any irregularities and maintain transparency during polling.

Assam is preparing for a crucial electoral cycle, and the involvement of experienced personnel is seen as critical to upholding the credibility of the process. As debates over the withdrawn deployment continue, observers note that the final decision could set a precedent for how auxiliary forces are utilized in future elections across the country. The issue underscores the ongoing balance between administrative efficiency, security, and political considerations in managing large-scale democratic exercises.

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