Rajouri steps up surveillance to keep check on MCC violations, maintain Law & Order

RAJOURI, SEPTEMBER 20: To keep close check on violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and maintain law and order situation during the General Elections to the Legislative Assembly, the Election Authorities have asked enforcement departments and police to step up surveillance mechanism across the Border District Rajouri.

After thorough deliberation here at a meeting, the Sector Magistrates, Police Sector Officers, and FST heads were instructed to increase patrolling in their respective areas and hold regular meetings with local leaders to identify potential troublemakers. Any such persons must be identified at least 72 hours before polling day, with information shared with Returning Officers and this office.

The instructions were issued by Rajeev Kumar Khajuria, Additional Deputy Commissioner (District Nodal Officer for MCC/Law and Order), Rajouri, who was chairing the meeting.

Attendees included Sector Magistrates, Police Sector Officers and Heads of Flying Squads (FSTs) from the Assembly Constituencies identified as vulnerable due to past incidents of rigging, booth capturing and violence.

Besides this, the Sector Magistrates were directed to take immediate preventive actions, including executing bonds from individuals involved in past incidents of rigging, booth capturing, or violence. Officials were also tasked with raising awareness about the Election Commission of India’s strict stance on duplicate voting. Persons indulging in Proxy voting practices will face severe consequences.

Sector Magistrates and Police Sector Officers were instructed to tour their areas regularly, ensuring no law and order breaches occur. “Any potential threats must be addressed in advance, and timely reports must be submitted. Officials were also urged to be well-versed with the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Representation of People Act to handle complaints effectively and ensure peaceful elections.

Special attention was directed towards Sector Magistrates in border areas, including Nowshera, Laroka, Bhawani, Chowki Handan, and Ben Pattan. They were asked to maintain strict vigilance on vehicle movements near the Line of Control (LoC) through regular surprise checks. Sector Magistrates were asked to identify polling stations with approaches through nearby houses or shops, which may be prone to violence, and report these to the Returning Officer for necessary action.