Poll preparations in J&K in full swing

Against the backdrop of the high voter turnout during the first phase of polling on November 17, election authorities in the state are gearing up by taking slew of measures for successful completion of remaining six phases, which will see 18 more districts going to the hustings.

The election authorities have appointed 31 magistrates for the maintenance of law and order and to ensure peaceful conduct of Assembly elections in the Kulgam district, an official spokesman said today.

A meeting was held by district election officer Kulgam yesterday to discuss the contingency plans for clearing the snow, in case the snowfall disrupts the poll process.

The district goes to polls in the sixth phase on December 17.

In Kupwara district, 2,600 employees drawn from various departments have been imparted training so far in operating Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for five Assembly constituencies of the district going to polls in the third phase on November 30.

A day-long special training programme on the use of Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs) and other election-related matters was also organised for the presiding officers of Budgam district. About 300 officers from various departments attended the programme.

More than 4000 employees from Budgam district have already been trained in handling of EVMs.

In Baramulla district, on the other hand, district Election Officer Baseer Ahmad Khan has set up a complaint cell to receive complaints from all quarters in seven constituencies of the district and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, has been appointed as the nodal officer of the cell.

Baramulla, along with three other districts, goes to polls in the fourth phase on December 7.

Seven officers have been appointed as nodal officers for issuing and receiving postal ballots of government employees and police personnel from the district who have been posted on election duty.

Ten constituencies spread over four districts -- Poonch, Bandipora, Leh and Kargil -- went to polls in the first phase of elections on November 17.

Six constituencies of Ganderbal and Rajouri districts will got to polls in the second phase on November 23.