Srinagar/Patna: Security across the Kashmir Valley, parts of Jammu region’s Chenab valley and 13 naxal-affected constituencies of Jharkhand has been beefed up further ahead of the first of the five-phased Assembly elections.
In Jammu and Kashmir, a total of 10,50,250 voters will get to decide the fate of 123 candidates, who are in the fray. Ironically, there are only two women candidates in fray although the eligible voters include a little over half a million females. Nearly 1,900 polling stations have been set-up by the EC in these constituencies.
In Jharkhand the main concern of the security forces and the Election Commission is that Naxals have warned people not to go out and vote. Several posters have been found on the walls. The EC has been spreading awareness among the villagers to encourage them to vote. “Go out and vote fearlessly,” said state election officer P.K. Jajoria.
More than 33,61,983 voters, including 15,77,090 women, are likely to exercise their franchise to choose among 199 candidates. More than 3,900 polling booths have been set up.
A total of 1,612 were declared model polling stations while 1,752 polling stations have been declared ultra-sensitive. Four helicopters will be used for surveillance. State and Central forces have been deployed in large numbers. Security forces will also keep a sharp vigil in the bordering areas of Bihar and Jharkhand.
The message is clear — the people of Jharkhand want development. Since the formation of Jharkhand, the state has seen many governments and Chief Ministers but has remained where it was 14 years ago. The state is tired of this and wants a stable government now.
