ATTOCK, May 10: The district police have identified 100 people who are proven troublemakers according to the past elections’ history, and have obtained surety bonds from them.

The District Police Officer (DPO) Abdul Kadir Qamar told Dawn that the police had obtained surety bonds of Rs1 million from these people, assuring that they would not indulge in any type of political clash which affected the law and order.

Under the surety bonds, the identified people would be bound to remain peaceful during the elections, the DPO said, adding that in case of any violation, strict legal action would be taken against them.

He said such steps would be effective in controlling election-related clashes and violence, and the district police were ready to perform the security duties which he believed were the most sensitive element of the polling day.

TROOPS DEPLOYED: Under the election contingency plan, six companies of army and two companies of Punjab Constabulary (PC) have been deployed at the respective sensitive polling stations of the district, it has been learnt.

Of the total 789 polling stations, 220 have been declared sensitive, and the army would remain there at standby in addition to the deployment of the PC, police and elite force.

This would ensure peaceful holding of the elections, sources said.Besides the troops and PC, 5,000 personnel would perform the election duties; 2,000 from the police and elite force, and 3,000 from police razaqars (volunteers) and special police.

Meanwhile a full dress rehearsal of security was conducted to check the preparedness of the police and other law enforcement agencies, sources added.

DPO Kadir said troops were provided with the required logistics, and Android mobile phones had been provided to the Sub Divisional Police Officers, SHOs and other concerned police officials.

Furthermore, land-line telephone connections at far-flung police posts of the district were arranged to ensure proper communication between the police personnel during the elections.

The government also provided Rs8.3 million for election expenses including transportation and messing charges, but since Rs4.5 million would be spent only on the 106 hired vehicles, it was not sufficient.

“The district police will try their best to manage the election expenses within the budget provided,” DPO Kadir said.

LEAVES CANCELLED: The leaves of all police officials have been cancelled to ensure their presence for election duties, DPO Qadir said. All emergency departments, including bomb disposal squads, civil defence units, Rescue-1122 and hospital administrations, have also been engaged to handle any emergency during the elections.