Assam: Voting ends peacefully in Hailakandi, 71 per cent voter turnout recorded
Recorded an overall 71.45 per cent voting.
Hailakandi
Voting ended peacefully for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Hailakandi district on Thursday as voters turned out in large numbers to participate in the democratic process.
The three LACs namely 6 Hailakandi, 7 Katlicherra and 8 Algapur that fall under HP 1 Karimganj (SC) parliamentary constituency recorded an overall 71.45 per cent voting. However, the exact figure is yet to come and the turnout is expected to rise as the polling teams from remote areas are on their way back.
Due to ‘SVEEP’ing initiatives the turnout of women and young voters were higher this time than compared to previous elections. The administration had taken a slew of steps to provide facilities to persons with disabilities (PwDs) and to elderly and senior citizens, including transportation. ICDS volunteers came out to extend a helping hand to the disabled voters to cast their franchise without facing any difficulty. The administration also set up model polling station with selfie corner for anyone to strike a pose after casting his or her vote.
Barring a minor incident at Lakshmisahar Govt Basic School under 6 Hailakandi LAC, where supporters belonging to two rival parties tried to make an attempt at booth capturing but failed due to timely intervention of police and security personnel, the polling was by and large peaceful.
Meanwhile, Sector Officer Dr. Manidhar Singha has filed an FIR at the Hailakandi Sadar Police Station wherein he stated the presence of two political leaders in the midst of the mob. “A mob representing two rival political forces assembled outside the polling station in an attempt at booth capturing. Stones were hurled at the security personnel following a mild lathicharge had to be resorted to disperse the mob,” said Singha.
Presiding Officer Basir Ahmed Barbhuiya said polling inside the booth went on without any hiccups, as the security personnel took total control of the situation.
Polling started at 7 am under tight security arrangements, and ended at 5 pm. Despite scorching heat, voter queues were seen at almost all polling stations right since the morning. There were a total of 656 polling stations.
Reserved EVMs and VVPATs were kept handy in case of replacement at the quickest possible time by the 93 magistrates assigned for the task.
Keeping the ground situation in mind, 200 polling stations in the district were declared as vulnerable and critical.
Adequate deployment of police and central paramilitary forces were made to ensure a peaceful polling process.
Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Hailakandi, Keerthi Jalli said voting in the second phase held concluded peacefully, at the end of the day’s polling.
“We thank the voters for coming out to vote in significant numbers. We would also like to thank the polling personnel, the Assam Police personnel, security forces for their support to ensure smooth polling,” Jalli said.
Jalli also thanked centurion voter Sergul Bibi and nonagenarian voter Ramesh Chandra Badra for coming out to vote and motivating the young generation. They were given priority to access the entry to the polling stations being the senior most denizens.
A day ahead of the polls on Wednesday, Static Surveillance Team and Flying Squad seized Rs 3.78 lakh in cash and 5,475 litres of fermented wash, 1,684 litres of illicit liquor and 29.900 litres of IMFL worth Rs 2.42 lakh during checking of vehicles at Panchgram and other places.
