SHILLONG, OCT 28: Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor has informed that a detailed plan of action has been put in place to counter any kind of intimidation against the electorate during the forthcoming Assembly bye-elections in East Khasi Hills district.
After reviewing the security arrangements for the two constituencies – Mawryngkneng and Mawphlang, which are going for polls on October 30, Kharkongor said, “They (police) have detailed a plan of action to counter any intimidation that has surfaced sometime ago.”
He said that the meeting has taken strong cognizance of the recent threats issued by the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) against voting for a particular political party.
According to him, police have made detailed planning for all eventualities and areas of concern.
Kharkongor further elaborated that one company has been deployed for both the constituencies.
“They have divided these companies into various sections and they are undertaking long range patrolling (LRP) and they are also taking area domination and are maintaining surveillance of the houses of the candidates,” he said.
Stating that thorough checking as well as scrutiny and vehicle checking are being conducted round the clock ahead of the polls, Kharkongor said, “They are taking adequate measures to ensure that strict vigilance is made and that there is no apprehension and also to instill confidence in the hearts and minds of the voters right up to the poll day as well.”
When asked, the CEO however said that the HNLC’s threat is unlikely to have any impact on the upcoming by polls since adequate steps are being taken by the district election machinery to safeguard the interest of the people.
“If you look at the numbers of people attending the various election campaigns, it appears unlikely that people will be affected by any intimidation, it appears unlikely I am judging from the numbers of people who have come for the campaigns,” he said.
“We don’t see any reasons why the turnout should be low. If you see the kind of number of people attending the campaign and the kind of enthusiasm shown by the people, as I said it seems that they are not even afraid of COVID-19 so it appears likely it should be a big turnout also,” he further added.
The CEO also pointed out that traditionally, the voting percentage in Mawryngkneng and Mawphlang are quite high adding that in the last 2018 Assembly election, the percentage of voters’ turnout was higher than the district average.
“In Rajabala also the people have enthusiastically participated in the campaigns and I also anticipate that the voter turnout will be quite robust in this constituency as well,” he stated.
In Mawryngkneng, KHADC chairman and Sohryngkham MDC Pyniaid Sing Syiem from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) is contesting against the opposition Congress nominee Highlander Kharmalki and three Independent candidates – Esron Marwein, Arbiangkam Kharsohmat and Norbert Marboh.
On the other hand, SK Sunn’s son Eugeneson Lyngdoh, a football star, from the United Democratic Party (UDP) ticket, is pitched against two seasoned politicians – former MLA Kennedy C Khyriem of the Congress and four-time MDC Lamphrang Blah of the NPP – from the Mawphlang constituency.
By Our Reporter
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