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DIMAPUR — In preparation for the forthcoming 18th Lok Sabha elections, the Office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and District Election Officer (DEO), Pughoboto, convened a coordination meeting of sector magistrates and sector commanders for the 13th Pughoboto Assembly Segment on April 12 at DB Hall, Pughoboto.
According to a DIPR report, ADC and DEO Tiameren Chang reviewed the progress of distributing voter information slips (VIS), ensuring the provision of water and sanitation in polling stations, and assessing the prevailing law and order situation.
As per the reports from the sector magistrates and sector commanders, no vulnerabilities or critical issues were observed. However, Chang emphasised the importance of maintaining vigilance at all times and promptly reporting any compromising matters to the district administration.
He assured that additional magistrates have been appointed and that two engineers will be further deployed to far-flung polling stations to provide assistance.
SDPO Pughoboto, Hankiumong, briefed on the security arrangements for polling day and further advised on securing electronic voting machines (EVMs) and ensuring efficient movement of security and polling personnel.
SDO (civil) and Assistant Returning Officer (ARO), R Daniel Angami, stressed the importance of timely and proper submission of various reports, which are to be scrutinised by CEO Kohima, and ensuring adherence to all election protocols.
Similarly, a meeting regarding the preparation and briefing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections was held at the DC office conference hall in Phek on April 13, which included all sector magistrates and sector commanders of Phek district.
The DC and DEO of Phek, John Tsulise Sangtam, stated in his address that the meeting was convened to reiterate the duties and responsibilities of sector magistrates and sector commanders, ensuring that polling in the district is conducted peacefully and in a clean manner.
He also stated that because they are empowered with magisterial power, it should be used effectively and whenever necessary to ensure that law and order is maintained throughout the election process.
He urged sector commanders and sector officers to be in their respective polling stations at strategic locations so that they could effectively cover the entire area during voting hours and control any undesirable situations as soon as possible, as well as coordinate with polling personnel.
Superintendent of Police Phek, Dr. Pritpal Kaur, briefed about the roles, functions, procedures, and duties of Sector Magistrates, Sector Commanders, Paramilitary, and the Police. She emphasised that their primary responsibility is to ensure the safe transportation of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) to the polling stations and their return to the counting station intact, as they are accountable for their security.
She urged the security personnel to prioritise the safety and security of the polling personnel and to remain vigilant for any illicit activities occurring in the district throughout the election period. Additionally, the installation of GPS devices for sector magistrates was implemented following the meeting.