Excelsior Correspondent
Kathua, Nov 22: A one-day special electoral conference for border residents was organised today at Hiranagar under Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign “Matdaan Mahotsav” in which thousands of voters including women and youth participated.
The programme was organised under sub-campaign “Jamhuriat Aur Hifazat” to attract the residents of around 35 border villages affected by frequent ceasefire violations which had cast a shadow on their electoral participation due to migration.
Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary accompanied by Addl DC Prasanna Ramswami, ACR Suraj Parkash Rukwal, ARO Anshul Garg, CEO Tourism Dr Bharat Bhushan, SDM Hiranagar Sohan Lal, SDM Ghagwal Charanjeet Singh, BDOs Ajay Salal, Vipin Bhagat, C L Gandhi, Tehsildars Meenakshi Jasrotia, Manzoor Ahmed and CDPO Hiranagar attended the programme in which more than 6000 voters and prospective voters participated. An oath of electoral participation was also administered.
A series of colourful events aimed at promoting ethical and informed voting, right of adult suffrage, election laws, facilities created at polling stations for women, elderly and specially abled voters; establishment of model polling stations, photo voter slip distribution and other aspects of electoral participation were highlighted. Debates, skits, cultural programmes, events with themes of democracy and national integration as well as electoral education were hosted by various institutions, NGOs and clubs. Samba based Sangam Cultural Group enthralled the audience with their comedy show and performance of specially designed play on electoral participation.
The DC addressed the gathering and appealed them for greater electoral participation and setting a record of strengthening democracy in district. He informed the gathering about establishment of model polling stations, home delivery of voter enrollment service, facilities at polling stations for elderly, women and specially abled voters; distribution of photo voter slips and efforts being made by Polling Booth Area Teams. He called upon the residents of border villages to brave the hostile conditions and turn up in greater number for electoral participation on December 20. Border residents were also informed about alternative facilities being made available for them in case of any ceasefire violation.
Earlier, the DC inaugurated a photo exhibition established by District Election cell reflecting various SVEEP events in districts, posters on ethical voting and awareness. Proposed mobile polling booths were also highlighted in the exhibition.
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