Upbeat voters to have their say despite bandh

SHILLONG, FEB 22: Despite the 36-hour HNLC bandh coming into effect from 6 p.m. Friday, Meghalayans, cutting across all divides, are expected to vote in large numbers to elect the 9^th state Assembly on Saturday.

That is the sense of this website got from speaking to cross sections of society.  The mood among the voters was definitely upbeat, which could only mean bad news for the proscribed outfit which has called the bandh to prevent people from exercising their franchise.

“I will definitely go out and vote without any fear. It’s my right,” asserted H. H. Mohrmen, a prominent citizen from the Jaintia Hills. The HNLC, he said, is out sync with the vast majority of the people of the state who believe in democracy. “If you call a bandh at such times, it shows you are against democracy,” he added for good measure.

The rush of students from Shillong to their respective towns and villages on the eve of polling reflects the sentiments of Mohrmen. Emidahun, a first year student from Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi hills district who is studying here said:  “I have only become eligible to vote this year. Come what may I am determined to vote since this will be my first time.”

Others said this was one opportunity for them to influence politics in the state and ensure the election of right persons capable of making a positive difference to their lives. “The day is quite an important one for everyone, especially to a youth like me. We want to see changes for the better to happen in our areas and the only we can ensure that is by voting and electing the right person,” said an economic student from NEHU.

A group of friends, who were sipping coffee in one of the cafeteria that dot Police Bazaar, said: “Though we don’t come from the same constituency, we have pledged to carry our EPIC cards and cast our votes. It is our rightful duty as citizens because our votes are going to shape the future of our state.”

15,03,907 voters, including 7,59,608 women and 744299 men, are eligible to exercise their franchise and elect 60 worthy candidates from the total of 345 contestants from 15 political parties and independent candidates to the Assembly. The results will be announced on February 28.

The government has also beefed up security throughout the state to ensure peaceful, free and fair elections. 91 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in the state to maintain law and order during the polls, 44 of them in the militant-hit Garo Hills region. (By Our Reporter)