Poll Officials Airlifted to Snow-Bound Areas for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in J&K’s Kishtwar

GG News Bureau
Jammu, 13th April. Authorities on Friday airlifted the first group of 189 polling officials and 69 police personnel to the snow-covered regions of Marwah and Warwan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, according to officials.

Kishtwar is part of the Udhampur-Kathua parliamentary constituency, where elections are scheduled for April 19 to determine the outcome of 12 candidates, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

Marwah, Warwan, and Machail are the most remote areas of Kishtwar, typically inaccessible for about four months due to heavy snowfall during winter. On Thursday, a total of 188 security personnel were airlifted and stationed in 34 polling stations and strong rooms in these regions.

188 security personnel airlifted for #LokSabhaElections2024 in Kishtwar, J&K! Scaling mountains and overcoming challenges to ensure every vote matters. Kudos to their dedication! 🏔️👏 #ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #Elections2024 #JammuKashmir @ceo_UTJK pic.twitter.com/6xptugvEER

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 12, 2024

Officials mentioned that District Election Officer Devansh Yadav, under the supervision and approval of Chief Electoral Officer Pandurang K Pole, arranged for the safe transportation of polling teams, election materials, and logistics to 34 polling stations, including 19 in Marwah, 12 in Warwan, and four in Machail.

Considering the weather forecast, the early departure of polling teams, security personnel, EVMs, and other materials has been arranged, they added.

Political parties have been notified in advance about the movement of individuals and materials, while five intermediate strong rooms have been set up for secure storage of EVMs to streamline the electoral process.

Preparations are underway with extensive security measures in place, such as the use of IAF’s Mi-17 helicopters for transporting polling officers and the establishment of helipads, officials noted.

The dispatch of polling staff will continue gradually, focusing on remote areas and snow-covered regions like Marwah, Warwan, and Machail through airlift, while ensuring an efficient transportation plan for other areas through coordinated efforts.