Security arrangements for Rajouri district reviewed

Rajouri, Aug 22: In preparation for the forthcoming Legislative Assembly Elections 2024, District Election Officer (DEO) Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, and SSP Randeep Kumar, jointly chaired a crucial security review meeting here in the Dak Bungalow.

The meeting emphasised the importance of seamless coordination between police and sector officers to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.

The DEO conducted an in-depth review of the Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at polling stations in the district, paying particular attention to vulnerable polling locations. Sharma issued clear directives to the relevant officers to ensure essential amenities, such as water, electricity, and well-maintained roads, are available at every polling station.

Recognizing the district's proximity to the border, he stressed the need for coordinated efforts in arranging alternate polling stations in areas vulnerable to cross-border firing, instructing Block Development Officers (BDOs) to ensure that bunkers are maintained and ready for use.

The DEO highlighted the crucial role of joint efforts between police and sector officers, particularly in areas with potential security risks. He directed zonal and sectoral officers to collaborate closely with police teams to monitor polling stations where political tensions or caste and community-related issues had been reported in the past. These teams were instructed to make frequent visits to sensitive areas, gather feedback from the local populace, and work together to foster voter confidence.

He further underscored the importance of voter education, specifically on the use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems, ensuring that voters are well-prepared and assured during the election process. Officers were advised to review the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Handbook thoroughly, to guarantee that elections are conducted impartially and without bias.