J&K polls attract global attention; will definitely look into security arrangements: ECI in Jammu

“The Commission is indeed mindful of the specific challenging law and order situation in the State of J&K and especially in certain Assembly segments given their location and concerns,” Mr Arora here told reporters.

He was flanked by two poll commissioners, Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra.

The ECI team on Monday arrived in Srinagar to review the poll preparedness and to meet the political representatives of Jammu regions.

“The Commission will look into due security arrangements while deciding on the timing and phases of the elections,” said Mr Arora adding that the Commission does keep in mind local festivals, geographical conditions and related needs while deciding the schedule of election dates.

“We would also keep in view the sentiments voiced by the representatives with respect to need for restoring democratically elected government in the State,” he said adding that they are aware that Elections have been conducted in the past under trying circumstances in the State.

“J&K elections do attract global and national attention more than any other State,” he claimed.

The CEC also said that for the first time in the forthcoming general elections, VVPATs will be used at all Polling Booths along with the EVM machines.

“Thus the officers need to ensure due awareness to all stakeholders about proper usage of the machines,” he maintained and said that the officers were also asked to strictly adhere to the laid down procedures and Standard Operating Procedures about use, storage and Transportation of the machines in all the constituencies.

The Chief Electoral Officer has been directed that VVPAT awareness campaign be continued up to the booth and hamlet level, he said.

“Election Commission attaches utmost priority to ensure purity of Electoral Rolls and all DEOs has tried their best to enroll all eligible voters,” he said.

“While Final publication of Electoral Rolls has been done on February 7 and copies have been distributed at district level, copies as desired will also be made available to all political parties in Hard as well soft form,” he said.

However, the Commission during the visit, met with representatives of various political parties and noted their issues and concerns.

The Commission took note of their concerns for holding free, fair and ethical elections.

The Commission reviewed the work of District Election Officers, SPs/Commissioner of Police, Divisional Commissioners and IGs and discussed election preparedness with Chief Secretary, DGP and other Nodal Officials of the State.

The Commission also met with Nodal officers of Income Tax, Excise, Narcotics Control, Customs, Banks, Postal Department, Railways, Airports and with State Level Bankers Committee convener to review in detail the strategy to curb misuse of money, liquor and freebies distribution during the election.