J\'khand polls a slap on Naxals\' face: PC

New Delhi : With the electorate in Jharkhand having defied the CPI(Maoist)\'s poll boycott call to clock an impressive 58% overall turnout in the

five-phase election, Union home minister P Chidambaram on Monday took time out to congratulate the state's voters for their "stinging rejection" of Naxalites' diktat to stay indoors. "The ultimate victor is democracy," he stated in a congratulatory message to the people of Jharkhand.

Mr Chidambaram said it was a "stinging" reply to the CPI(Maoist) and other militants "who attempted to terrorise the people of Jharkhand into boycotting the elections". Besides congratulating the Jharkhand electorate "for turning out in very large numbers and exercising their franchise to elect candidates of their own choice", the Union home minister showered praises on the Election Commission, Governor and the state administration "for the arrangements they had made for the smooth and peaceful conduct of elections".

Mr Chidambaram also made it a point to recall the supreme sacrifice of 12 personnel of the central para-military forces (CPMFs), Jharkhand Police and Bihar Police in enabling the voters to exercise their franchise fearlessly. "At this hour, it is our duty to remember the six jawans of the CPMFs, five policemen of the Jharkhand Police and one from Bihar Police, who lost their lives during the period of elections."

The minister said forces had "showed exemplary bravery against the determined attempt of the Naxalites to disrupt the elections". He instructed the authorities to ensure expeditious disbursal of compensation due to the deceased policemen, seeking a report of compliance by January 15, 2010.
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