Concerned over the violence in Lucknow and Kanpur, the Election Commision on Tuesday directed poll officials to act fast in gathering advance information about any possible trouble ahead of the Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

"The commision cautioned officials about possible communal violence. We have cautioned them to be extra careful and gather enough information in advance," Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy told reporters after addressing over 200 observers deployed for the last three phases of polls.

UP will have seven-phased Assembly polls, beginning April 7.

The CEC said that the poll officials have also been told to look at vulnerable areas and absentee voters.

Asked whether the EC was satisfied with the security arragements, he said, "Wait and see how things move. At this moment, the situation is under control."

Gopalaswamy also brushed aside charges by Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav that "indiscriminate" mass transfers of senior officials in the state by the EC resulted in the sectarian violence in Lucknow and Kanpur.