From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: With the 2013 Assembly Election just a month away, West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner (DC) cum District Election Officer (DEO), Sylvester Kharlyngdoh, has stated that adequate measures were being taken to ensure greater turn out on the polling day.
Kharlyngdoh said that a battalion each had been proposed for and would be deployed in a few days’ time in all of the constituencies. The DEO informed that there were 39 hypersensitive polling stations in the district out of which 15 have been identified as being infested with militants.
Regarding the disputed areas like Langpih, he said that all places that share their borders with Assam especially Langpih would be provided with adequate security forces.
About the militant infested polling stations, the DEO said that a company of IRBN had already been deployed to these places to ensure peaceful electioneering. It may be noted that Malang Simanaguri, Dubakdrop, Kyrshai A-B, Mawsmai, Langdongdai, Kamariangshi, Nongshram, Rongbeng, Wahthre, Dorangre, Langshonthiang, Nongriangna, Riangshi, Kanshusik, Riangdim, Riangmaw and Porkhadoh, among others have been identified as hypersensitive polling stations.
Kharlyngdoh also pointed out that during the last election in 2008, the total turnout of voters in the State was 89.50 per cent while in West Khasi Hills the turnout was 88 per cent. He added that Kamphoduli, Kumari and Kyrshai under Rambrai constituency had the least turn out in the last election with only 30 per cent turnout.
Considering this, special emphasis would be laid on the border areas to ensure greater turnout during the polling day, he said.
The DEO further said that the District Administration would be observing the National Voters’ Day on January 25 to educate the people on the rights and power of their franchise. The DEO said that most of the people residing in far- flung areas who refrained from voting have failed to exercise one of their fundamental rights. He urged the people to attend the programme so as to enlighten themselves about their power and rights.