Suhail Khan
Baramulla, April 26: The Returning Officer (RO) for the 1-Baramulla parliamentary constituency, Minga Sherpa (IAS), highlighted the unique challenges faced by the Baramulla parliamentary constituency, where several areas, including Gurez and Karnah Tangdhar, are often cut off.
Addressing a press conference as per Kashmir Despatch Correspondent, he said that the District Commissioners (DC) of Bandipora and Kupwara have implemented special arrangements to address these challenges.
RO Minga Sherpa emphasized that despite the anticipated difficulties, preparations have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of polling. He said that in cases where key passes such as Sadhna and Razdan are inaccessible, counting will take place at those locations.
Additionally, Indian Air Force helicopters will be utilized to transport polling staff if necessary. He further said that special arrangements, under the guidance of the Chief Election Officer, have been put in place to address various aspects of polling, including the conduct of polling and the security of strong rooms.
Regarding security arrangements in Baramulla constituency, RO said that Kupwara and Baramulla have numerous polling stations located beyond the security fence. “In Baramulla, four such polling stations in Uri have been identified, and special measures have been taken to ensure their security,” he added.
He further said that collaboration with the Indian Army has been established to guarantee the safe passage of polling staff and to facilitate secure polling at these locations.
Pertinently, Amid tight security arrangements, the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls on May 20 where around over 17 lakh voters will decide the fate.
The returning officer said the Baramulla Parliament constituency has 1,728,501 electors, as per the special summary.
This Parliament Constituency has 2,103 polling stations across the four districts out of which 905 polling stations fall in Baramulla district and all of them have been declared critical polling stations,” he said.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
