Wives pray for poll officials in Jharkhand

Ranchi, Nov 30 : Fearing attacks by Maoists, wives of officials who will oversee the second phase of Jharkhand's assembly polls Wednesday are praying for their safety.

Although authorities have promised a violence free election, everyone has their fingers crossed since all the 14 assembly constituencies in the second round are known Maoist strongholds.

These are Tamar, Silli, Khijri, Mandar, Gomia, Gandeya, Giridih, Dumri, Barhi, Barkagao, Mandu, Ramgarh, Koderma and Khuti.

In the Lok Sabha election in Jharkhand in May, 19 people were killed in violence blamed on Maoists. Among them were nine security personnel.

Election officials say that reaching polling booths in remote areas and returning safely to counting centres are the toughest part of their job.

"In the Lok Sabha election, we had to cover around seven kilometres on foot in jungle area. We did not board any vehicle fearing landmines," an official assigned to conduct the election told IANS.

The poll officials' wives are naturally nervous.

One of them, Neena Kumari, said: "I am observing a fast for three days for the safe return of my husband."

Said another, Smita: "I will offer five kilos of ladoos to Hanumanji. I want him to protect my husband."

The first phase of polling took place peacefully Nov 25. But that covered areas where Maoists have negligible presence.