Ahead of the Assembly polls, Election Expenditure Observer for Poonch, Ramchandra Andhale, has issued instructions to the Army to maintain close surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) to keep check on any illegal movement, particularly involving drug peddlers or…

Ahead of the Assembly polls, Election Expenditure Observer for Poonch, Ramchandra Andhale, has issued instructions to the Army to maintain close surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) to keep check on any illegal movement, particularly involving drug peddlers or anti-national elements.

To boost voter morale and encourage participation in the upcoming Assembly elections, Andhale on Friday conducted a visit to the border villages located across the fence along the Line of Control in the district.

A spokesperson said the Election Observer held a meeting with the Army officials stationed in the area.

He emphasised the need for close coordination between the administration and security forces to safeguard the electoral process and maintain peace in the region, the statement said.

Andhale further instructed the Army officials to strengthen their vigilance at the entry gates used by villagers residing in the areas across the fence. He stressed the importance of conducting thorough checks while facilitating easy access for these residents to ensure their smooth participation in the electoral process. This measure aims to ensure that voters residing in these sensitive border areas can exercise their rights without any hindrance, contributing to a secure and inclusive election.

The visit to Malti, Guntrian and Shahpur villages was aimed to directly engage with the villagers, aware them about their democratic rights and the importance of exercising their vote, according to a spokesperson.

During the visit, the Election Observer interacted with local residents, educating them about the power and significance of their vote in shaping the nation’s future.

He emphasised the importance of participating in the electoral process, especially in border areas, and urged the villagers to come out in large numbers to cast their votes.