Election 2019: On the eve of counting , Hailakandi Administration extends time of night Curfew

Hailakandi Administration has imposed night curfew from 10 pm of Wednesday till 6 am of Thursday under the jurisdiction of Hailakandi (Sadar) police station areas. The administration has taken these steps as precautionary measures to instill confidence in the people.

Moreover, in an order issued on Tuesday evening, District Magistrate Keerthi Jalli has promulgated Section 144 CrPc banning procession, rally, assembling of large number of people, bursting of crackers, carrying of weapons, inflammatory speeches and use of loud speakers throughout the district.

However, Deputy Commissioner Jally clarified on Wednesday afternoon that, “There is no threat perception in the district and the situation is by and large peaceful, ”

Addressing a Press Conference at her office conference hall, Jalli said, “there is nothing to fear or worry as the district has adequate security forces to deal with any situation”.

She said all necessary arrangements have been made, including security to conduct the counting of votes smoothly on Thursday from 7 am onwards. Jalli said the final counting followed by tallying of five EVMs per constituency with VVPATs slips is expected to be out by 7 pm.

There will be 14 tables in three counting halls with one micro observer against each table. Two AROs will be detailed in each counting hall. 56 micro observers including eight reserved have been deputed for duty. Altogether there will 17 rounds for Katlicherra LAC and 15 rounds each for Hailakandi and Algapur LACs.

Jalli said, the entire counting process will be videographed and CCTVs have been installed in the counting halls and vantage positions covering the entire counting campus of Government VM HS School.

SP Mohneesh Mishra said a two-tier security will be in place in and around the barricaded counting campus with one entry and exit points. Mishra said that there will be heavy deployment of security personnel across the district, as the administration is willing to take no chances.

DIG (southern range), Prashanta Kumar Dutta said the situation has returned to normalcy as there has been not a single incident since the evening of May 10.

Election Observer, Radha Kishore Jha said, he was in constant touch with the election machinery and will oversee the entire counting exercise. “We are working to ensure smooth counting of votes tomorrow. I have given suggestions and corrective measures wherever required and to sent report directly to the Election Commission, ” he added.