Assam police have stepped up coordination with the neighbouring states to prevent militants from sneaking in to foment trouble during the Lok Sabha elections.

Assam director-general of police Kuladhar Saikia on Monday said he had spoken to his counterparts in the states to ensure peaceful elections.

“We have intensified vigil in areas along the inter-state border and are in touch with the police forces of these states to foil any attempts by militants or miscreants to enter the state,” he said.

Militants have carried out hit-and-run operations in Assam from states like Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.

Saikia said recently a meeting of the operations group was held at Dinjan in Dibrugarh district where senior officials of the state police, army and Central Armed Police Forces in Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh were present.

It discussed preparations to ensure smooth conduct of parliamentary elections and measures required to enhance synergy among security forces operating in the region.

The DGP said vehicle checking, surveillance at railway stations, bus depots and area domination have been intensified in the areas along the inter-state border. “We are ready to carry out joint operations with the police forces of other states if the need arises,” he said. “All measures are being taken to boost confidence among voters to cast their vote without fear.”

He said 33 additional companies of central paramilitary forces (CPMF) have arrived in the state for elections.

“We also have 90 companies of CPMF in the state, besides our own forces, deployed for election-related duties. Security forces engaged in NRC duties, however, will not be used for polls,” he said.

Additional director-general of police (law and order) Mukesh Agrawal, the nodal officer of state police for poll security, said since February 1 this year, more than 20,000 licensed firearms possessed by different individuals have been seized and 32 illegal firearms were seized to prevent violence during the polls.

“The process of taking the licensed firearms into our custody is continuing as there are around 25,000 licensed firearms in the state. However, those licensed arms, which are exempted by the deputy commissioners, will not come under the custody of police,” he said.

Agrawal said from February 1, they have executed over 6,300 non-bailable warrants (NBWs) while execution of around 1,400 NBWs is currently pending.